Asante Kotoko have parted ways with South African tactician Eric Tinkler with immediate effect, ending his brief spell as head coach after just four Ghana Premier League matches. Corrections Policy
The club confirmed the development on Monday, September 28, 2026, following their 2–0 defeat to Aduana FC in Matchday Four of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season.
The loss marked Kotoko’s first defeat of the campaign and Tinkler’s final match in charge of the Porcupine Warriors.
In a statement, the club explained that its Board of Directors had agreed to Tinkler’s request to be released from his contract for personal reasons. The decision took immediate effect after discussions between the two parties.
According to the club, efforts were made to persuade the coach to remain in his position, but the discussions ultimately ended with the board respecting his decision to leave.
The announcement is significant given the short period Tinkler spent at the Kumasi-based club. He was appointed as Kotoko’s permanent head coach in July 2026, replacing Karim Zito ahead of the new league season.
His arrival was expected to provide technical leadership as the club pursued its domestic ambitions.
However, his tenure has come to an end before he could oversee an extended run of matches or fully implement his plans for the team.
During his four league games in charge, Tinkler recorded one victory, two draws and one defeat, collecting five points from a possible 12.
Kotoko began their campaign with a 2–2 draw against Debibi United before securing a 2–1 victory over Heart of Lions. They subsequently played out a 1–1 draw against Samartex before losing 2–0 to Aduana FC. Editorial Standards
The results meant that Kotoko had remained unbeaten in their first three league matches before suffering their first loss against Aduana.
Although the timing of Tinkler’s departure has drawn attention to the defeat, the club’s statement specifically cited his request to leave for personal reasons rather than announcing a dismissal over the team’s performance.
The club also expressed appreciation for Tinkler’s professionalism and commitment during his short spell. It wished him well in his future endeavours while reaffirming its intention to continue pursuing its objectives for the season.
Tinkler joined Kotoko with considerable coaching experience in South Africa.
His previous managerial roles included spells with Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, SuperSport United and other clubs in the South African football system.
His experience included domestic cup success and a run to the CAF Confederation Cup final with Orlando Pirates.
His departure therefore leaves Kotoko facing an early change in technical leadership as the Ghana Premier League campaign gathers momentum.
The club has indicated that it will work towards appointing a new head coach. However, no permanent successor was named in the announcement confirming Tinkler’s exit.
In the interim, Kotoko’s technical team is expected to continue working towards the club’s sporting objectives under the leadership of Director of Football Stanley Purl Menzo.
The arrangement is intended to maintain continuity while the club considers its next appointment.
Kotoko’s immediate focus will be on preparing the squad for its upcoming league commitments and ensuring that the coaching change does not disrupt preparations. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The Porcupine Warriors are scheduled to face Karela United on Thursday, October 1, in their next league fixture.
For the club, the priority will be to settle the coaching situation while keeping the players focused on their campaign.
Tinkler’s departure after four league matches leaves Kotoko needing to make decisions about the direction of their technical team early in the season.
While the search for a new head coach continues, the club has maintained that its broader sporting ambitions remain unchanged.