FC AshantiGold 04 head coach Karim Zito has urged Asante Kotoko boss Eric Tinkler to adapt to the realities of Ghanaian football rather than continue criticising the country’s playing surfaces.

Tinkler, who took charge of the Porcupine Warriors ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, voiced his frustration over the state of pitches after Kotoko’s 1-0 pre-season victory over Heart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium.

But speaking to Akoma FM, Zito said the South African should have assessed the local football environment before accepting the Kotoko job.

He argued that adjusting to the conditions was part of the challenge of coaching in Ghana.

“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.

The veteran coach also noted that Tinkler had already enjoyed success despite the conditions he had criticised.

“The same poor pitches he has been complaining about have given him a trophy, despite all the negativity surrounding the situation,” he added.

Despite disagreeing with Tinkler’s comments on the pitches, Zito said he was pleased to see the Kotoko coach celebrate after winning silverware.

He said Tinkler’s reaction reminded him of his own emotions after lifting trophies during his coaching career.

“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 recently secured his first trophy as Kotoko coach by leading the club to victory over Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup.

The former Cape Town City coach will now shift his focus to the start of Kotoko’s Ghana Premier League campaign, which begins with an away fixture against Debibi United.