FC AshGold 04 head coach Karim Zito has told Asante Kotoko manager Eric Tinkler to accept the realities of Ghanaian football after the South African coach raised concerns about the condition of pitches in the Ghana Premier League.
Speaking to Akoma 87.9 FM, Zito said Tinkler should have examined the football environment in Ghana before agreeing to take charge of the Kumasi-based club.
The veteran coach believes Tinkler must now adapt to the circumstances he has encountered instead of repeatedly focusing on the quality of the playing surfaces.
“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 argued that the condition of the pitches had not prevented Tinkler from achieving an early success with Asante Kotoko. The Porcupine Warriors defeated Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup, giving Tinkler his first trophy since becoming the club’s manager.
“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 criticised Tinkler’s approach to the issue, he said he was pleased to see the Asante Kotoko coach celebrate after the victory.
The former coach said Tinkler’s reaction reminded him of his own emotions after winning a cup competition. Zito added that he recognised the sense of achievement shown by the South African and was sincerely happy for him.
“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 will now prepare Asante Kotoko for the upcoming Ghana Premier League campaign, with the club carrying increased expectations after its success in the Democracy Cup.
The result over Hearts of Oak marked the first trophy of Tinkler’s tenure and came despite the concerns he has expressed about the playing conditions in Ghana’s top flight.
Zito’s comments were focused on the need for the coach to adjust to the local football environment, while also acknowledging the importance of the victory and the emotions that followed it. His view is that Tinkler should have gathered a full understanding of the conditions before taking the Asante Kotoko position and must now work within those circumstances.
For Asante Kotoko, the Democracy Cup triumph provides an early reward under Tinkler and sets the stage for the new Ghana Premier League season. Expectations around the club are now high as the Porcupine Warriors seek to build on their victory over Hearts of Oak.
