Newly appointed Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler has outlined an ambitious vision to restore the club's status as one of Africa's football giants while building a sustainable system for developing players capable of excelling for the Black Stars and top European clubs.
Speaking after arriving in Ghana to begin his tenure with the Porcupine Warriors, the South African tactician said winning trophies and returning Kotoko to the summit of African football would be his immediate priority.
However, he stressed that long-term player development would be equally important in securing the club's future.
"I'm a very ambitious coach. I came here with the passion and desire to achieve success and win things," Tinkler said. "Asante Kotoko is a massive club on the African continent and we want to bring back the glory to the football club."
Tinkler, who moved from Italian club Cagliari to English club Barnsley in 1997 for a transfer fee of £650,000, added that his vision extends beyond short-term success.
"That will be my primary objective and target, but at the same time it's about developing for the future. We want to ensure that this historic club continues to produce fantastic footballers who can represent their national team and compete at the highest level," he said.
Tinkler, who officially began his journey with the Kumasi-based side last week, said he intended to establish a strong development pathway that would prepare talented players to earn places in Ghana's senior national team and attract opportunities with leading European clubs.
The former Bafana Bafana international, who made 45 appearances for his country and scored one goal, believes his experience as both a player and coach will help him achieve those objectives.
During his coaching career in South Africa, Tinkler has managed several clubs including Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, SuperSport United, Chippa United and Maritzburg among others, competed in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, and won multiple domestic cup titles.
"I've played at the highest level in both Europe and Africa and coached several teams in South Africa," he said. "I've been involved in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup and have won a number of cup competitions. Hopefully, I can bring that success to Asante Kotoko."
The 55-year-old also pledged to work closely with the club's leadership, including chairman Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awuah and technical director Stanley Menzo, to restore the club's dominance on the continent.
"That will be my purpose and my aim. I will be working closely with the chairman and Stanley Menzo to ensure that we make this historic club a giant of African football once again," he said.
The appointment of Tinkler marks a new chapter for Asante Kotoko as the record Ghana Premier League champions seek to reclaim their place among Africa's elite after recent seasons of inconsistency.
