Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has officially announced the appointment of experienced South African-Portuguese coach Eric Tinkler as the club’s new Head Coach with immediate effect.
The appointment marks an important step in the club’s ambition to strengthen its technical department and build a competitive team capable of achieving sustained success both in Ghana and on the African continent.
Coach Tinkler arrives in Kumasi with more than three decades of experience in elite football, bringing a wealth of tactical expertise, player development credentials, and an impressive coaching résumé. A CAF A Licence holder, he has managed some of South Africa’s biggest clubs, including Cape Town City FC, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, Orlando Pirates, and Bidvest Wits.
During his coaching career, Tinkler guided Orlando Pirates to a CAF Champions League runners-up finish and SuperSport United to the CAF Confederation Cup final. He has also won several domestic honours, including the MTN8 title and the Telkom Knockout Cup.
Before embarking on his coaching journey, Tinkler enjoyed a distinguished playing career. The former Bafana Bafana captain earned 48 international caps, captained South Africa at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, represented the country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and was part of the squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
At club level, he featured for Barnsley FC in England, Cagliari in Italy, and Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal.
Known for his structured coaching philosophy and strong record in player development, Tinkler is expected to work closely with the club’s Director of Football, Stanley Menzo Purl, as Asante Kotoko continues its efforts to build a formidable football structure.
Speaking on the appointment, Board Chairman James Osei Brown expressed confidence in the new coach’s ability to lead the club to greater heights.
Eric brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and a winning pedigree to our technical bench. His proven ability to develop players and deliver results at the highest level in African football makes him the right man to lead our team at this important time.”
Reacting to his appointment, Coach Eric Tinkler said he was honoured to join one of Africa’s most historic football institutions.
I am honoured and excited to join Asante Kotoko. The club’s rich history, ambition, and passion for success are well recognised across Africa. I look forward to working with the players, staff, and management to build a team capable of competing and winning both domestically and on the continental stage.”
The entire Asante Kotoko family warmly welcomes Eric Tinkler to Kumasi and looks forward to a successful new chapter under his leadership.