Head coach Asante Kotoko Eric Tinkler is worried over the standard of football pitches in Ghana, saying poor playing surfaces are making it difficult for his team to implement their style of play.
Tinkler made the comments after Kotoko's 1-0 pre-season victory over Kpando Heart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The South African, who was appointed Kotoko head coach earlier this offseason, said the conditions in Ghana are significantly different from what he experienced in his home country.
“It hasn’t been easy obviously; conditions are very different from what you find in South Africa,” Tinkler told the press.
The former South Africa international said the quality of pitches presents an additional challenge for players, particularly as Kotoko look to build a possession-based style.
“As you are well aware, the standard of the pitches are not great, which obviously makes it much harder for the players,” he said.
“We want to try and play a possession-based game and on pitches like this, it becomes very, very difficult.”
Despite his concerns, Tinkler said Kotoko cannot use the condition of the pitches as an excuse and must find ways to adapt.
“What we can’t do is use it as an excuse. It’s our reality and we have to adapt,” he added.
Tinkler is tasked with rebuilding Kotoko after the club finished eighth in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.
