South African coach Eric Tinkler has left Asante Kotoko just three months after taking charge, with the Ghanaian club saying it accepted his request to be released from his contract for personal reasons.
The 54-year-old departs after overseeing only four Ghana Premier League matches, bringing an abrupt end to a spell that began in July with expectations of reviving the fortunes of the two-time CAF Champions League winners.
Tinkler was appointed after Kotoko’s eighth-place finish last season and was tasked with leading the Porcupine Warriors in their pursuit of domestic and continental success.
His exit comes a day after Kotoko suffered a 2-0 defeat to Aduana FC, their first league loss under his leadership.
The result left the club ninth in the Ghana Premier League standings, with one win, two draws and one defeat from four matches.
In a statement, Kotoko said its board had accepted Tinkler’s request to leave with immediate effect.
“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.
Kotoko added that both parties had held discussions in an attempt to avoid ending the partnership, but ultimately respected the coach’s decision.
The club thanked Tinkler for his professionalism during his brief tenure and confirmed that the technical team would continue under the leadership of Director of Football Stanley Purl Menzo.
Despite his short stay, Tinkler guided Kotoko to victory over rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Kotoko’s next assignment is a Ghana Premier League Matchday Five fixture against Karela United at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, 1 October.
