Asante Kotoko Director of Football Stanley Menzo has expressed unwavering confidence in newly-appointed head coach Eric Tinkler, insisting the South African was the best candidate to lead the Porcupine Warriors into the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season.
Tinkler was appointed to spearhead Kotoko’s rebuilding project after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that saw the club finish outside the top four and miss out on their major domestic objectives.
The experienced 55-year-old arrives in Kumasi with an impressive coaching résumé, having managed some of South Africa’s biggest clubs, including Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United and Chippa United. He has earned a reputation for building competitive teams and developing talented players throughout his managerial career.
Speaking to the club’s official media, Menzo said Kotoko carried out a thorough recruitment process before settling on Tinkler.
“We appointed the best coach we could have. He has built clubs to a high standard,” Menzo stated.
Tinkler has already begun work with the squad as the Reds continue their pre-season preparations in Accra, where the technical team is focused on improving fitness, tactical organisation and team chemistry ahead of the new campaign.
Kotoko’s preparations will receive a major test in the 2026 Democracy Cup, where they face arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in a high-profile clash expected to provide an early glimpse of Tinkler’s philosophy and the team’s progress.
The Porcupine Warriors will then turn their attention to the start of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League, opening their campaign with an away fixture against newly-promoted Debibi United, as Tinkler aims to guide the club back into title contention.
