Asante Kotoko is facing financial and disciplinary challenges - Eric Tinkler admits

Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler says his task at the club extends beyond winning matches, with financial, infrastructural and disciplinary issues presenting major challenges.

The South African coach, speaking to Metro FM in South Africa, acknowledged the pressure to deliver trophies but said the reality at the Ghanaian giants is more complicated.

“I think the modern game is demanding. The expectations of all club owners are success, and obviously that is what the club wants, and that’s also what I want,” Tinkler said.

Tinkler has made qualification for the CAF Champions League one of his primary targets after taking charge of the Kumasi-based club.

“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 added.

However, the former Sekhukhune United manager said achieving that ambition would require more than tactical improvements on the pitch.

He identified financial difficulties and inadequate infrastructure as some of the key problems facing the club, while also revealing concerns over discipline within the squad.

“But the club is well aware of the challenges that they face, both financially and in terms of infrastructure,” Tinkler said.

The coach also said he is working to establish a more professional environment at Kotoko, although he admitted that indiscipline has been a recurring problem.

“We’re looking to try and create an environment that is more professional. We’ve had to deal with a lot of indiscipline at the club, and I think a lot of that stems from a number of factors, and the club is aware of that,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Tinkler accepts that his performance will ultimately be judged by results.

“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 open their 2026-27 Ghana Premier League campaign away against newly promoted Debibi United.

Before the league season begins, the Porcupine Warriors will face arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup as part of their preparations.

Tinkler will be hoping to use the fixture to assess his squad and build momentum as he begins his attempt to restore Kotoko to the top of Ghanaian football and secure a return to Africa's premier club competition.

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