Eric Tinkler’s time with Asante Kotoko ended less than a day after the club lost 2-0 at home to Aduana FC in the Ghana Premier League. On Monday, September 28, 2026, Asante Kotoko confirmed they had agreed to release the South African coach from his contract at his request, citing personal reasons.
The club said they had tried to convince Tinkler to stay on, but both sides agreed it was best to part ways immediately. The decision came only weeks into the 2026/27 season, cutting short Tinkler’s brief spell in charge of one of Ghana’s biggest football clubs.
Now, Tinkler is reportedly set to return to South African football with Durban City. The club is searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Tunisian coach Khalil Ben Youssef last Saturday. Ben Youssef had been in charge for just three months, overseeing seven matches in the Betway Premiership. His record included one win, four draws, and two losses. He also led Durban City through a successful preliminary-round tie in the CAF Confederation Cup against Rukinzo FC before his dismissal.
Before Ben Youssef’s appointment in June, Tinkler’s name was already linked to the Durban City job. At the time, reports said he was among the leading candidates, but the club chose Ben Youssef instead. Now, with the Tunisian coach gone, Tinkler could finally take the position he was once considered for.
Tinkler has coached several South African clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United. His return to the South African league would see him manage Durban City in both domestic competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Asante Kotoko now face the task of finding a new coach mid-season after Tinkler’s sudden exit. The club will need to regroup quickly to keep their campaign on track following the disappointing start that ended with Aduana FC’s victory.
Tinkler’s departure comes less than a year after he arrived with high expectations. The swift turnaround from his appointment to his exit highlights the pressures on coaches in Ghana’s top flight, especially at a club with Kotoko’s stature and fan base.
Durban City’s decision to move on from Ben Youssef after just three months shows how quickly patience runs out in professional football. If Tinkler takes over, he will have to prove he can deliver results fast, both in the league and on the continental stage.
The timing leaves Kotoko facing uncertainty as they try to steady the ship. For Tinkler, this move could be a chance to reset his coaching career with familiar challenges in South Africa.
According to 3News.
