Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler has expressed concern over the quality of football pitches in Ghana, saying poor playing surfaces could affect his team’s style of play ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The South African tactician believes the condition of some pitches makes it difficult for teams that prefer a possession-based approach and smooth build-up play.
Speaking after Kotoko’s pre-season victory over Heart of Lions, Tinkler explained that his team’s preferred style requires better surfaces.
“The standard of the pitches is not right, which makes it much harder for the players. We want to play a brand of football and a possession kind of football, and on pitches like this it becomes very difficult,” he told journalists.
However, the Kotoko coach insisted that poor pitch conditions cannot become an excuse, stressing that his team must find ways to win regardless of the circumstances.
“Having been in a number of countries in Africa, this is the norm. It’s the reality. We have to find ways to win games even if it becomes ugly. Even if we finish with 1-0, it’s good because it helps us finish high in the league,” he added.
Kotoko will continue their preparations with two more friendly matches before the start of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, where Tinkler will be aiming to guide the Porcupine Warriors back into title contention.
