Confirmed: SA coach leaves African giants after four league matches

Eric Tinkler is heading home. The Ghanaian giants confirmed decision in an official statement dated 28 September 2026.

The club said its Board of Directors held negotiations with Tinkler in an attempt to prevent his departure. However, both parties eventually agreed to respect his decision.

ERIC TINKLER LEAVES AFTER FOUR LEAGUE GAMES

“The Board of Directors of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has agreed to the request of its Head Coach, Mr. Eric Tinkler, to be released from his contract with the Club effective immediately for personal reasons.”

Tinkler leaves after a brief spell in charge of the Porcupine Warriors. During his short tenure, Tinkler managed four official Ghana Premier League matches.

His record included:

• 1 win
• 2 draws
• 1 defeat
• 5 points
• 5 goals scored
• 6 goals conceded.

His league campaign began with a 2-2 draw against Debibi United before he guided Asante Kotoko to a 2-1 victory over Heart of Lions. He then recorded another draw before suffering a 0-2 defeat to Aduana FC in his final league match.

Tinkler also oversaw a 1-1 draw against Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup. Asante Kotoko eventually won the match 4-1 on penalties, securing the 2026 Democracy Cup.

STANLEY PURIL MENZO TO LEAD TECHNICAL TEAM

Asante Kotoko confirmed that the technical team will continue working towards the club’s sporting objectives under Director of Football Stanley Puril Menzo.

The club stressed that it remains focused on its targets for the season despite the sudden coaching change.

“The Club remains focused on its sporting objectives as the Technical Team is poised to proceed with the Club’s strategies to achieve its objectives under the leadership of the Director of Football, Mr. Stanley Puril Menzo.”

Asante Kotoko also thanked Tinkler for his contribution during his short stint. “The Club is grateful to Coach Tinkler for his professionalism and commitment to the success of the club during his rather short stint with the Porcupine Warriors and wishes him well in his next endeavours.”

The club will now continue its campaign under the leadership of Menzo following Tinkler’s immediate departure.

COACHING CAREER

Tinkler’s coaching career has included several of South Africa’s leading clubs. He moved into head coaching with Orlando Pirates in 2014, where he guided the club to the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup final.

In 2016, he joined newly formed Cape Town City and immediately helped the club win the 2016 Telkom Knockout during its debut season. Tinkler then took charge of SuperSport United in 2017, winning the MTN8 and reaching another CAF Confederation Cup final.

After shorter spells with Chippa United and Maritzburg United, he returned to Cape Town City in 2021. His second spell with the club lasted until late 2024 before he took charge of Sekhukhune United in early 2025.

In July 2026, he made the move abroad to Ghana, joining Asante Kotoko and adding the Democracy Cup to his coaching achievements. His time in Ghana, however, has come to an end after just four league matches.

WHERE DO YOU THINK ERIC TINKLER IS GOING?

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