FC AshantiGold 04 head coach Karim Zito has told Asante Kotoko manager Eric Tinkler to adapt to the realities of Ghanaian football instead of continuing to criticise the country’s playing surfaces.
Tinkler, who was appointed ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, questioned the quality of the pitches after Asante Kotoko’s 1-0 pre-season win over Heart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium.
However, Zito believes the South African coach should have considered the local football environment before agreeing to take charge of the Porcupine Warriors. He said dealing with difficult playing conditions was part of the responsibility that came with coaching in Ghana.
Speaking to Akoma FM, the experienced coach said Tinkler needed to change his approach and accept the circumstances in which football is played in the country.
“Eric Tinkler needs to adjust himself to the situation here in Ghana. He should have taken the time to come down and assess the conditions before accepting the Asante Kotoko job,” Zito said.
Zito also pointed out that Tinkler had already achieved success despite the concerns he had raised about the pitches. He said the same surfaces criticised by the Kotoko manager had ultimately hosted matches that led to the club winning a trophy.
“The same poor pitches he has been complaining about have given him a trophy, despite all the negativity surrounding the situation,” he added.
Although Zito disagreed with Tinkler’s assessment of the playing conditions, he said he was pleased to see the Asante Kotoko manager celebrate after securing silverware.
The veteran coach explained that Tinkler’s reaction had reminded him of his own celebrations after winning trophies during his career. Zito said he could identify with the emotion shown by the Kotoko boss and was sincerely pleased by the achievement.
“I was happy for Tinkler yesterday. I remember when I won a cup, I also danced, so when I saw him celebrating, I saw a bit of myself in him. I was genuinely happy for him,” Zito said.
Tinkler recently won his first trophy as Asante Kotoko coach after guiding the club to victory over Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup.
The former Cape Town City coach will now turn his attention to Asante Kotoko’s opening Ghana Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 campaign. The Porcupine Warriors begin their league season away from home against Debibi United.
Zito’s comments come as Tinkler prepares for his first Ghana Premier League campaign in charge of the club, having already delivered success in the Democracy Cup. While the two coaches differ over the condition of Ghana’s football pitches, Zito’s remarks also acknowledged the significance of Tinkler’s early trophy and the celebrations that followed.
