2026/27 GPL: It's too early to discuss title chances - Kotoko coach Eric Tinkler
Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler says it is too soon to speak about winning the Ghana Premier League, insisting that his immediate priority is to restore the club to the division's leading positions.
The South African coach is preparing for his first full league campaign with the Porcupine Warriors after they finished eighth last season - a result he believes fell well below the standards expected of the club.
"The expectation is for us to compete," Tinkler told Akoma FM.
"Last season, finishing eighth meant we were not really competing."
Rather than making early title predictions, Tinkler has set an initial target of guiding Kotoko into the top three or four, believing that a strong first half of the season would put the club in a position to challenge later in the campaign.
"This season, we want to be up there competing for the top positions: top three or top four," he said.
"If, by the halfway point of the season, we find ourselves in that position, then we will be in a good place because that is when you can begin to seriously push for the title."
Tinkler said expectations should be tempered because of the number of new signings who still need time to settle into the squad.
"It is still too early for us to say that, based on the way we are performing, we can win the league," he added.
"There are still a lot of new faces at the club, and it takes time for players to adapt."
The former Cape Town City coach also urged patience as he works to build a competitive side, arguing that coaches cannot deliver instant success.
"We are not miracle workers," he said.
"We work with the players, try to improve them and build their confidence."
Kotoko begin their 2026-27 Ghana Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Debibi United at Golden City Park on Sunday, where Tinkler's side will take the first step towards meeting the benchmark he has set for the halfway stage of the season.