Eric Tinkler quits Asante Kotoko after four Ghana Premier League matches

South African coach Eric Tinkler has left his position as head coach of Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko just four matches into the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season.

Tinkler, who took charge of the Porcupine Warriors in July, has been released from his contract with immediate effect after requesting to leave the Kumasi-based club for personal reasons.

In an official club statement, Asante Kotoko said attempts to persuade the former Orlando Pirates coach to remain in the role were unsuccessful.

“The Board of Directors of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has agreed to the request of its Head Coach, Mr. Eric Tinkler, to be released from his contract with the Club effective immediately for personal reasons.

“Earlier on, both parties engaged in meaningful negotiations to avert the decision at this time in the relationship between the parties but finally had to respect Coach Tinkler's decision,” the club said in their statement.

Tinkler was appointed on July 17, as Kotoko looked to recover from a trophyless campaign the previous season.

His brief spell began positively when he guided Kotoko to the Democracy Cup as they beat bitter rivals Hearts of Oak to claim the trophy.

However, the Porcupine Warriors have struggled to perform under Eric Tinkler since the start of the new Ghana Premier League campaign.

Kotoko have amassed five points from their opening four league matches, leaving them 13th in the table.

Their latest setback came on Sunday when the team lost 2-0 to 10-man Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

With Tinkler gone, the club must now begin the search for a new head coach as it looks to improve its position and mount a challenge for the Ghana Premier League title.