Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler says rebuilding the club requires more than just winning football matches, with financial constraints, infrastructure challenges and discipline issues among the major areas needing attention.
The South African tactician, who was appointed ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, admitted that while expectations at Kotoko are always centred around success, the club faces several underlying challenges.
Speaking to Metro FM in South Africa, Tinkler said his ambition is to restore the Porcupine Warriors to continental prominence, particularly by securing qualification for the CAF Champions League.
“I came here to be a successful coach. I came here to try and get this club to qualify again for the Champions League,” he said.
However, the former Sekhukhune United coach stressed that achieving that target will require improvements beyond tactical preparations and match performances.
Tinkler highlighted financial difficulties, infrastructure limitations and disciplinary concerns as some of the issues affecting the club, while revealing that efforts are underway to create a more professional working environment.
“The club is well aware of the challenges that they face, both financially and in terms of infrastructure. We’re looking to create an environment that is more professional. We’ve had to deal with a lot of indiscipline at the club,” he added.
Despite the obstacles, Tinkler acknowledged that his success will ultimately be measured by results on the pitch and the ability to meet the expectations of Kotoko supporters.
“I think I will be judged, obviously, on results and performance. But at the same time, the club was well aware of the difficulties that we face,” he said.
Kotoko will begin their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign away against newly promoted Debibi United, as Tinkler starts his mission of rebuilding the club and returning them to the top of Ghanaian football.
Before the league opener, the Porcupine Warriors will face arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup, a fixture expected to provide Tinkler with another opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new season.
