Asante Kotoko have completed a two-week training camp in Accra and returned to Kumasi, with their preparations for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign now entering a crucial stage.
The Porcupine Warriors used their time in the capital to build fitness, develop their understanding of new head coach Eric Tinkler’s tactical plans and improve match sharpness through a series of friendly fixtures.
Kotoko concluded the camp with a 1-0 victory against Semper Fi, securing their second successive narrow win after beating Heart of Lions by the same score earlier in the programme.
The results have offered some encouragement as the club prepares for the new season, although Tinkler will recognise that further work is required before competitive action begins.
The South African was appointed in July as part of a significant overhaul of Kotoko’s technical and football operations. His task is to assemble a team capable of competing strongly in domestic football after the club endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.
Kotoko have also added experience to their football administration by appointing former Netherlands and Ajax goalkeeper Stanley Menzo as Director of Football.
The changes are intended to provide a stronger structure around the team as the Kumasi-based club attempts to re-establish itself among the leading sides in Ghanaian football.
Their next opportunity to measure progress will come in a high-profile meeting with rivals Hearts of Oak. Kotoko are scheduled to face Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup on Friday, 28 August, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The fixture will give Tinkler another chance to evaluate his squad in a competitive environment, experiment with different tactical approaches and identify areas that need attention before the league campaign gets under way.
It will also be the first opportunity for many supporters to see the new-look Kotoko side in a major fixture, with the rivalry expected to add further intensity to the encounter.
Kotoko will begin their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign away from home against newly promoted Debibi United.
After a difficult previous season, the club will hope the work completed during their Accra camp and the upcoming Democracy Cup match can provide a platform for a stronger start.
The Porcupine Warriors are aiming to put the disappointment of 2025/26 behind them and build a team capable of mounting a serious challenge in the new campaign.
