Asante Kotoko: Eric Tinkler's exit came as no surprise, says Kojo Addae-Mensah

Football analyst Kojo Addae Mensah says Eric Tinkler's departure from Asante Kotoko after just two months did not come as a surprise, insisting he had expected the South African coach to struggle with the transition to Ghanaian football.

Tinkler left Kotoko following Sunday's shock Ghana Premier League defeat by 10-man Aduana FC.

The club announced that it had “agreed to the request of its Head Coach, Eric Tinkler, to be released from his contract with the Club effective immediately for personal reasons.”

Speaking to Luv FM, Addae Mensah said he had anticipated that Tinkler would experience what he described as a “cultural shock” after moving from South Africa to Ghana.

He pointed to differences in football infrastructure and playing surfaces between the two countries as factors that could make it difficult for the coach to adapt quickly.

“But when Tinkler was appointed, I said he is going to have a cultural shock. By the time he settles, we probably will be off pace to be able to win this title,” Addae Mensah said.

The former Asante Kotoko columnist said his assessment was influenced by his previous experience covering the club, particularly during their trips to South Africa.

According to Addae Mensah, the quality of football facilities in South Africa extends to school level, creating a stark contrast with some of the conditions coaches and players encounter in Ghana.

“I was not surprised at all. I said, there you go, because in South Africa, even primary school pitches are top notch,” he added.

He recalled accompanying Kotoko on trips to South Africa and seeing the club train at school facilities equipped with quality playing surfaces and floodlights.

“I had this time when I was deep in Kotoko, anytime we go down to South Africa, we were training on pitches for schools, with flood lights and everything,” he said.

Addae Mensah believes those differences may have contributed to Tinkler's difficulties at the club, although he admitted the coach's departure came sooner than he had anticipated.

“So honestly speaking, it has come earlier than I expected. It hasn't come as a shock to me at all because he's going to have cultural shock,” he stated.

Tinkler's short spell at Kotoko ended after just four Ghana Premier League matches. He won one of those games before his departure.

The former Orlando Pirates coach also guided Kotoko to victory over rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup, with the Porcupine Warriors winning on penalties.