Asante Kotoko coach Tinkler urges patience despite the team’s Democracy Cup triumph

Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler has cautioned against reading too much into the club’s Democracy Cup success, insisting the team remains far from the finished product ahead of the new season.

Kotoko edged rivals Hearts of Oak in the annual showdown at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, eventually prevailing 4-1 on penalties after neither side could find a breakthrough during regulation time. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad emerged as the hero of the shootout with two decisive saves.

While the result offered encouragement for supporters, Tinkler believes it provided only a glimpse of what the team is capable of as preparations continue for the upcoming Ghana Premier League campaign.

The South African trainer acknowledged that progress has been made since his arrival, pointing to the smooth integration of several new signings and the improved atmosphere within the squad. However, he stressed that important areas of the team’s development still require attention.

According to Tinkler, building a competitive side goes beyond results and will depend on improving cohesion, tactical understanding, discipline and consistency across the team.

Kotoko have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market, bringing in a dozen new players as part of a major squad overhaul. The recruits include returning goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad, Ivorian defender Koffi Marius Ange Bini, Burkina Faso midfielder Abdoul Kader Tarnagda, Cameroonian midfielder Solomon Nsor Asaah and Moroccan shot-stopper Abdel Wadie Mourad.

The influx of new faces is expected to play a key role in the club’s attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, which ended with an eighth-place finish in the league standings.

Attention will now shift to the start of the new season, where the Porcupine Warriors face a trip to Berekum to take on newly promoted Debibi United on September 6.

For Tinkler, the challenge is ensuring that the promise shown in pre-season and cup competition translates into sustained performances when the league begins. The Democracy Cup may have delivered silverware, but the Kotoko coach believes the real test lies ahead.

Source: myjoyonline.com