Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler says he wants to manage a national team one day, with the 55-year-old identifying both Ghana and his native South Africa as possible destinations.
The South African tactician believes coaching at the FIFA World Cup represents the highest achievement available to a manager and has made taking charge of a national side a long-term ambition.
Tinkler discussed his hopes during an interview with Akoma 87.9 FM, after previously raising the subject at a press conference.
“I think the pinnacle for every coach is to coach a national team, you know. I said this last night at a press conference, that is where I would like to see myself,” Tinkler told Akoma FM.
His comments leave open the possibility of him taking charge of either the South African national team or Ghana’s Black Stars if an opportunity becomes available.
Tinkler said the attraction of such a role would be the chance to compete on football’s biggest stage: the World Cup.
“Be it the South African national team, be it the Ghanaian national team, because you want to be on the biggest stage in the world, which is the World Cup,” he said.
For Tinkler, leading a team at the global finals would represent the ultimate test and the defining achievement of a coaching career.
“As a coach, that’s the pinnacle of coaching, is that you’ve coached a team in the World Cup, so hopefully I get that opportunity one day,” he added.
Asked directly whether he would accept the job if Ghana or South Africa approached him, Tinkler gave a clear answer.
“So when the call comes, you answer?”
“Yes,” he replied.
The former South Africa international was appointed head coach of Asante Kotoko earlier this year and has since started his tenure with the Ghanaian giants.
His current role in Ghana has placed him in the country’s football environment, while his comments indicate that he would also consider a future move into international management.
Tinkler’s preference is not limited to one country. He would be willing to lead South Africa, where he was born, or Ghana, the country whose national team is known as the Black Stars.
The central motivation, he said, is the opportunity to reach the FIFA World Cup. In his view, guiding a national team to that competition is the pinnacle for any coach and an ambition he hopes to fulfil.
For now, Tinkler remains focused on his work with Asante Kotoko. However, he has made it clear that he would welcome the chance to answer a call from either the South African national team or the Black Stars in the future.
