Eric Tinkler must adapt to poor pitches in Ghana, says Maxwell Konadu
Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has urged Asante Kotoko manager Eric Tinkler to adapt to the condition of football pitches in Ghana, saying complaints alone will not solve the long-standing issue.
Konadu's comments came after the South African coach criticised the playing surface following Kotoko's 1-0 pre-season victory over Heart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Speaking ahead of Kotoko's 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday, Konadu acknowledged that Tinkler would face challenges but insisted he needed to adjust to the local realities.
“I know he [Eric Tinkler] will be having some challenges here and there when it comes to pitches…but he should understand that this is how we also do our things here even though we can make things better but he should adapt and get used to it."
The former Kotoko coach also warned that the club's new manager could encounter even more difficult playing conditions as the season progresses.
“If he starts complaining a lot, he might go to a venue and see worst things," he added.
Tinkler, who took charge of the Porcupine Warriors ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, has raised concerns about the quality of playing surfaces as he prepares the team for the new Ghana Premier League season.
The pitch debate comes as Ghana's top flight is set to kick off on 5 September, with the Ghana Football Association's Club Licensing Committee having approved 14 of the 18 proposed venues for the start of the campaign.