Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler has voiced significant concerns regarding the state of football pitches within Ghana, highlighting a critical disparity between the playing surfaces’ quality and the team’s preferred style of football. The comments came after Kotoko’s 1-0 victory over Heart of Lions in a pre-season friendly at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Tuesday. Tinkler, who has previously managed South African clubs including Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United, stated that conditions in Ghana are markedly different from those found in his home country.
“It hasn’t been easy, obviously; conditions are very different from what you find in South Africa,” Tinkler explained, emphasizing the impact on the team’s tactical approach. The coach highlighted the challenge posed by inadequate playing surfaces, particularly for a team aiming to build its game around possession and passing. He expressed that the conditions make it significantly harder to execute this desired style of play.
Tinkler acknowledged that the pitches are not ideal and that players must adapt to the existing circumstances. “We want to strive to play a possession-based game, and it’s incredibly difficult when the pitches are in this condition,” he stated. The coach stressed that attempting to use the poor conditions as an excuse is unacceptable; it’s a reality they must confront. He emphasized that the team must prioritize adapting to the challenges presented by the playing surfaces.
Tinkler was appointed Kotoko head coach earlier in the off-season following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign in which the Porcupine Warriors finished eighth in the Ghana Premier League. The former Orlando Pirates coach is tasked with rebuilding the Kumasi-based club and enhancing its prospects for the new season. Kotoko will open their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign away against newly promoted Debibi United.
Prior to the league’s commencement, the Porcupine Warriors will face arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup, as part of their preparations for the upcoming season. The 55-year-old coach stressed the importance of focusing on improving the team’s performance while addressing the challenges presented by the substandard pitches. The situation underscores a critical element in Kotoko’s quest to regain their previous success and establish a strong competitive position within the Ghanaian football landscape. The issue has been a recurring theme in discussions amongst football officials and players within Ghana, highlighting a noticeable concern about the quality of facilities available for professional football.
Several reports suggest that the dilapidated pitch conditions have negatively impacted the team’s tactical flexibility and overall performance, potentially hindering their progress towards achieving their goals. The situation demands immediate attention and a concerted effort to improve the playing environment for the team and the entire football community.
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Source: Adom Sports
