Asante Kotoko appoint Eric Tinkler as new head coach ahead of 2026/27 GPL season

Asante Kotoko Sporting Club have officially appointed experienced South African tactician Eric Tinkler as the club's new head coach with immediate effect.

👔CLUB STATEMENT #UnitedinHeritageDrivenbyExcellence pic.twitter.com/0S1LOfo9k0

— Asante Kotoko SC - 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) July 17, 2026

The Ghana Premier League giants announced the appointment in a statement released on Friday, describing Tinkler as a coach with a proven pedigree, vast top-flight experience and an accomplished playing career at the highest level.

The Portuguese-South African coach arrives in Kumasi with more than 30 years of experience in elite football and is expected to spearhead the Porcupine Warriors' ambitions both domestically and in continental competitions.

A holder of the CAF A Licence, Tinkler has managed some of South Africa's biggest clubs, including Cape Town City FC, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits.

His coaching résumé includes guiding Orlando Pirates to a runners-up finish in the CAF Champions League and leading SuperSport United to the final of the CAF Confederation Cup. He has also enjoyed domestic success, winning multiple cup competitions, including the MTN8 and the Telkom Knockout.

Before embarking on his coaching career, Tinkler established himself as one of South Africa's finest midfielders. He earned 48 international caps for Bafana Bafana, captained the side at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and represented his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

He was also a member of the South African squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and enjoyed successful spells in Europe with Barnsley in England, Cagliari in Italy and Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal.

Kotoko believe Tinkler's tactical expertise, structured coaching philosophy and reputation for developing players will play a crucial role in building a formidable team capable of sustaining success.

The former South Africa international will work closely with the club's Director of Football, Stanley Menzo Purl, as the Porcupine Warriors seek to strengthen their football structure and challenge for honours on both the domestic and continental fronts.

Welcoming the new coach, Asante Kotoko Board Chairman James Osei Brown expressed confidence in Tinkler's ability to lead the club to greater heights.

"Eric brings a wealth of experience, discipline and winning pedigree to our technical bench. His track record of developing players and delivering results at the highest level in African football makes him the right man to lead our team at this important time.

"We warmly welcome him to the Fabulous family, a group united in heritage and driven by excellence, and look forward to the success ahead," Brown said.

Tinkler said he was honoured to take charge of one of Africa's most successful clubs and pledged to build a team capable of competing for major honours.

"I am honoured and excited to join one of Africa's most storied football institutions. Asante Kotoko's rich history, passion for success and ambition for development is not hidden in Africa.

"I look forward to working with the players, staff and management to build a team that can compete and win, both at home and on the continental stage. I feel proud to be associated with this great club at this historical moment," he said.

The appointment marks a significant step in Kotoko's preparations for the new season as the record Ghanaian champions aim to re-establish themselves among the continent's elite under the guidance of the vastly experienced South African coach.