Tinkler vs Zito: Kotoko’s current and former coaches engage in war of words

A war of words appears to be brewing between Asante Kotoko’s current head coach Eric Tinkler and his predecessor Karim Zito, with the two coaches exchanging pointed remarks following the Porcupine Warriors’ preparations and early-season campaign.

Tinkler recently claimed that he had removed what he described as the “rotten elements” within the Kotoko setup after taking charge, saying discipline on and off the pitch was a major issue when he arrived.

“We’ve got rid of the rotten elements that existed and today you can see everyone is united,” Tinkler said.

Although Zito has not directly responded to that particular comment, his latest remarks about Tinkler’s criticism of the team he exited and Ghanaian pitches appear to underline some tension between the former coach and his successor.

Speaking to Akoma Sports on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Zito challenged Tinkler to adapt to the conditions he inherited rather than complain about them.

“He should adjust his tactics to the situation here. When they came for him he should have come to assess all these things but he didn’t come,” Zito said.

Zito also appeared to question the extent of the problems Tinkler had identified at Kotoko, pointing to the coach’s early success as evidence.

“The field is not good but you won the first cup? With all the negativity he said about the team, he won the cup,” he added.

Tinkler has since delivered his first piece of silverware in Ghana, guiding Kotoko to victory over Hearts of Oak on Friday, August 28, 2026, to win the Democracy Cup.

While neither coach has directly declared a feud, their contrasting comments have created an intriguing subplot.

The subplot could become even more interesting when the two coaches come face-to-face in the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League, with Zito now in charge of FC Ashanti Gold O4.

FKA/AM