Asante Kotoko have announced that experienced South African coach Eric Tinkler will be their new head coach for the 2026/27 season.
The Portuguese-South African coach joins the Porcupine Warriors right away, bringing over 30 years of experience in top-level football as both a player and a coach.
Tinkler has managed some of South Africa’s top clubs, such as Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, Maritzburg United, and Bidvest Wits.
His coaching highlights include leading Orlando Pirates to the CAF Champions League final and SuperSport United to the CAF Confederation Cup final. He has also won several domestic trophies, such as the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout.
Before becoming a coach, Tinkler had a successful playing career. He captained South Africa, earned 48 international caps, played for Bafana Bafana at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and was part of the team that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
At club level, he played professionally in England, Italy, and Portugal for teams like Barnsley, Cagliari, and Vitória de Setúbal.
Kotoko said that bringing in Tinkler demonstrates the club’s goal of building a strong technical team capable of competing for both local and continental titles. He will work closely with the Director of Football, Stanley Menzo Purl, as the club improves its football operations.
Board Chairman James Osei Brown welcomed Tinkler, calling him a proven winner with a great reputation for developing players.
“Eric brings a lot of experience, discipline, and a winning attitude to our team. His history of developing players and getting results at the top level of African football makes him the right person to lead us now,” he said.
After signing his contract, Tinkler said he was excited to lead one of Africa’s most successful clubs.
“I am honored and excited to join one of Africa’s most storied football clubs. Asante Kotoko’s history, drive for success, and ambition for growth are known across the continent.o working with the players, staff, and management to build a team capable of competing and winning both domestically and in Africa.”
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