Challenges have shaped my coaching career, says Kotoko coach Eric Tinkler

Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler says he thrives on difficult assignments and believes his 14-year coaching career has equipped him to handle the demands of rebuilding the Ghanaian giants.

The South African took charge of Kotoko with the club looking to recover from a disappointing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign, in which they finished eighth.

Tinkler has built an extensive coaching career in South Africa, managing some of the country's biggest clubs, including Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, Maritzburg United and Bidvest Wits.

He has also gained considerable experience in African club competitions. Tinkler guided Orlando Pirates to the CAF Champions League final and later led SuperSport United to the CAF Confederation Cup final.

Speaking after Kotoko's 1-0 pre-season victory over Heart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday, Tinkler said he has always viewed challenging situations as an opportunity to prove himself.

“I like challenges. As a coach, I’ve been involved with clubs that have been in relegation battles, and I’ve managed to keep them up. I’ve been at clubs where we started with five players; it was a brand new club, and I had to build a team.”

Tinkler said one of his previous assignments saw him take charge of a newly formed side with a severely depleted squad, yet the team went on to exceed expectations.

“We ended up finishing third in the league that season and qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup. Those challenges are challenges that I enjoy.”

The 54-year-old also pointed to his experience in youth development, recalling how he established a football academy during his time at Wits University.

“I started an academy when I was at Wits University, a football academy, and I built that academy.”

Tinkler's ability to work under difficult circumstances will now be tested at one of Ghana's most decorated clubs.

Kotoko are aiming to rebuild after their eighth-place finish last season, with the new coach expected to improve the team's performances and restore the club to contention for major honours.

His first competitive assignment will be a high-profile meeting with arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup on 28 August.

Kotoko will then begin their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Debibi United on 6 September.