Asante Kotoko coach Eric Tinkler says he is ready for the pressure that comes with leading one of Ghana’s biggest clubs as he prepares for his first Ghana Premier League campaign.

The South African believes his experience of managing in high-profile derbies and under intense scrutiny has prepared him for the expectations surrounding the Porcupine Warriors.

Tinkler, who has previously coached Cape Town City and Sekhukhune United, pointed to his years of involvement in South Africa’s biggest fixtures, including clashes between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

“I thrive under pressure, to be honest. As I said, I have been involved in big derbies like Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs,” he told the club’s media.

“I was involved in those games for a number of years, with big crowds and big expectations from both the Chiefs and Pirates fans, so it’s going to be no different.”

The 56-year-old said his role is to use that experience to shield his players from unnecessary pressure and help them perform with confidence.

“I need to take that experience and knowledge and pass it on to the players and take the pressure off them. You can’t go into a game with a fear of losing.”

Tinkler wants Kotoko to entertain supporters while ensuring his players approach matches without fear.

“I want to put on a good performance, a good spectacle obviously for the fans in the stadium and the millions who are going to listen to it on radio and watch it on TV, and the players will have to go and play with freedom and without fear.”

Kotoko begin their 2026-27 Ghana Premier League season away to newly promoted Debibi United, with the opening fixture marking Tinkler’s first competitive league match in charge of the club.