September 28, 2026: Asante Kotoko are preparing for another change on the technical bench following the departure of head coach Eric Tinkler, with assistant coach Diogo Peral set to take charge on an interim basis, according to the report featured by Oyerepa Sports.
Tinkler’s exit was confirmed by Asante Kotoko on Monday, September 28, with the club stating that the South African coach had requested to be released from his contract for personal reasons. The decision takes immediate effect.
The development comes after Kotoko’s 2-0 home defeat to Aduana FC in the fourth matchday of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. Tinkler, who was appointed in July, oversaw four league matches during his brief spell, recording one victory, two draws and one defeat.
With the club now facing the immediate need for continuity, attention has turned to Peral, who joined Tinkler’s technical team earlier in August.
Peral is no stranger to interim responsibility. Before his move to Ghana, he served in coaching roles at Cape Town City and previously took charge of the South African club on an interim basis. Reports have highlighted his experience in tactical preparation, opposition analysis, player development and team organisation.
His elevation, if formally confirmed by the club, would provide Kotoko with an internal option while the management considers its next permanent head coach. The club has said that its sporting strategy will continue under the leadership of Director of Football Stanley Menzo, despite Tinkler’s departure.
The timing presents Peral with an immediate challenge. Kotoko are scheduled to return to Ghana Premier League action against Karela United on Thursday, October 1, meaning the coaching transition could be followed quickly by a competitive fixture.
Peral’s previous working relationship with Tinkler could also provide familiarity with the squad and technical structure established during the opening weeks of the season. He was brought into Kotoko specifically as part of Tinkler’s coaching setup, making the reported interim arrangement a continuation of the existing technical framework rather than an entirely new direction.
For now, the focus at the club will be on maintaining preparation, organising the team and ensuring that the coaching transition does not disrupt the season’s plans. The coming days should provide greater clarity on whether Peral will remain in temporary charge or whether Kotoko will move quickly to appoint a new permanent head coach.
Source: Oyerepa Sports
