Eric Tinkler is set to return to South Africa to take charge of Durban City following his departure from Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
The South African coach's exit from Kotoko was confirmed on Monday, September 28, 2026, less than 24 hours after the Porcupine Warriors suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Aduana FC in the Ghana Premier League.
Asante Kotoko announced that the club had agreed to release Tinkler from his contract with immediate effect after the coach requested to leave for personal reasons. The club revealed that discussions were held in an attempt to convince Tinkler to stay at this stage of his tenure, but both parties eventually agreed to part ways.
His departure has now opened the door for an immediate return to South African football, with Durban City reportedly emerging as his next destination.
Durban City are currently searching for a new head coach after parting company with Tunisian tactician Khalil Ben Youssef on Saturday. Ben Youssef spent just three months in charge, overseeing seven Betway Premiership matches with a record of one win, four draws and two defeats. He also guided the club through their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie against Rukinzo FC before his dismissal.
Tinkler is already a familiar name in discussions around the Durban City job. The former Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United coach was strongly linked with the position before the club eventually appointed Ben Youssef in June.
Reports at the time suggested that Tinkler was among the leading candidates being considered for the role, making a potential appointment now a return to an opportunity that previously did not materialise.
Tinkler joined Asante Kotoko with considerable expectations at the beginning of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign. However, his spell in Kumasi has ended after just a short period, with the defeat to Aduana FC proving to be his final game in charge.
Should the move to Durban City be completed, Tinkler will return to South Africa looking to make an immediate impact, with the club competing on both the domestic front and in the CAF Confederation Cup.
For Asante Kotoko, attention now turns to finding a new coach and rebuilding their campaign following Tinkler's sudden departure.
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