Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler says only the players themselves can stop the club from achieving its ambitions in the 2026/27 season, as he targets a return to glory for the Porcupine Warriors.

The South African coach, appointed ahead of the upcoming Ghana Premier League campaign, believes proper planning, professionalism and a strong work ethic will be crucial in rebuilding the club into a dominant force.

Speaking in an interview with the club’s media team, Tinkler outlined his vision for the two-time African champions and said success will depend on the team’s commitment throughout the season.

“This season, with our planning, with our preparation, with our professionalism, good work ethic, nothing stops us from achieving our goals, only ourselves,” Tinkler said.

The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United coach also revealed his ambition to transform Kotoko into a force capable of competing at the highest level.

“The legacy I want to leave behind is obviously to make this not a sleeping giant but a live giant,” he said.

Tinkler acknowledged the pressure that comes with managing one of Ghana’s biggest clubs but insisted he is ready to deliver results.

“Coming to the club, I know the pressure that is obviously going to be on me because we need to achieve, we need to win, we need to get this club back where it belongs,” he added.

The coach takes charge of a Kotoko side hoping to recover from a disappointing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign, where the club finished eighth after a turbulent season that saw three different coaches take charge.

Tinkler brings extensive experience to the role, having previously managed South African clubs Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United. As a player, he represented South Africa at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kotoko will now focus on preparations for the new season as they seek to challenge for domestic honours when the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign begins in September.