South African coach Eric Tinkler has parted ways with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko after only four Ghana Premier League matches, with the club confirming his immediate departure for personal reasons.
Eric Tinkler’s short spell at Asante Kotoko has come to an unexpected end after the South African coach asked to be released from his contract.
The Ghanaian giants confirmed on 28 September that Tinkler had requested to leave the club for personal reasons. According to the club, its Board of Directors held discussions with the coach in an attempt to prevent his departure before ultimately agreeing to respect his decision.
“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,” the club said.
Tinkler leaves after four league games
Tinkler managed just four Ghana Premier League fixtures during his brief tenure.
His league record consisted of:
- One win
- Two draws
- One defeat
- Five points
- Five goals scored
- Six goals conceded
His campaign began with a 2-2 draw against Debibi United before Asante Kotoko claimed a 2-1 victory over Heart of Lions.
Another draw followed before Tinkler’s final league match ended in a 2-0 defeat against Aduana FC.
The former Orlando Pirates coach also guided the club in the Democracy Cup, where Asante Kotoko drew 1-1 with Hearts of Oak before winning the contest 4-1 on penalties.
Menzo takes charge of technical team
Asante Kotoko confirmed that the technical team will continue working towards the club’s objectives under Director of Football Stanley Puril Menzo.
The club said the coaching change would not alter its ambitions for the season and expressed gratitude to Tinkler for his contribution during his short stay.
“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 statement added.
Tinkler’s departure comes only a few months after he made the move to Ghana, having joined Asante Kotoko in July 2026.
Tinkler’s coaching journey
Tinkler has built a lengthy coaching career in South African football.
He took charge of Orlando Pirates in 2014 and guided the Soweto giants to the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup final.
He later became the first coach of Cape Town City after the club was established in 2016, winning the Telkom Knockout during its debut season.
Tinkler subsequently coached SuperSport United, where he won the MTN8 and reached another CAF Confederation Cup final. He also had spells with Chippa United and Maritzburg United before returning to Cape Town City in 2021.
His second spell at City ended in 2024, after which he joined Sekhukhune United in 2025.
The move to Asante Kotoko represented his latest challenge abroad, but his time with the Ghanaian giants has now ended after just four league fixtures.
For the moment, Menzo will oversee the technical team as Asante Kotoko continue their season
