Asante Kotoko Sporting Club have announced the appointment of Eric Tinkler as the club's new Head Coach with immediate effect, bringing an end to their search for a permanent manager.
The Portuguese-South African tactician joins the Porcupine Warriors with immediate effect, bringing more than three decades of experience in elite football as both a player and coach. Tinkler, a former captain of the South African national team, has managed several of South Africa's biggest clubs, including Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, Maritzburg United, and Bidvest Wits FC.
During his coaching career, Tinkler has secured impressive achievements, including a runner-up finish in the CAF Champions League with Orlando Pirates, a CAF Confederation Cup runner-up finish with SuperSport United, and domestic cup honours including MTN 8 championships and a Telkom Knockout Winners Medal. He also guided Sekhukhune United in his most recent role.
As a player, Tinkler earned 48 caps for South Africa, captaining the national team at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and representing the country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He was part of the South African squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and enjoyed a professional playing career in England, Italy and Portugal, featuring for Barnsley FC, Cagliari Calcio, and Vitória de Setubal.
The appointment brings to the Porcupine Warriors family a coach of proven pedigree, extensive top-flight experience, and a distinguished playing career. The club recently appointed Dutchman Stanley Menzo as Director of Football, tasked with overseeing the technical direction, and the appointment of Tinkler has been a key priority.
Kotoko Board Chairman James Osei Brown welcomed the appointment, stating, "Eric brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and winning pedigree to our technical bench. His track record of developing players and delivering results at the highest level in African football makes him the right man to lead our team at this important time".
Commenting on his appointment, Tinkler said, "I am honoured and excited to join one of Africa's most storied football institutions. Asante Kotoko's rich history, passion for success and ambition for development is not hidden in Africa. I look forward to working with the players, staff, and management to build a team that can compete and win, both at home and on the continental stage".
