Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most celebrated football clubs, has officially announced their intention to resume competitive activities after respectfully pausing to mourn the tragic loss of their ardent supporter, Francis Frimpong.
Known to many as Nana Pooley, Frimpong’s life was abruptly ended when he was stabbed during a fiercely contested match against Nsoatreman FC on February 2, 2025, in Nsuatre. In a gesture of solidarity and respect, Asante Kotoko suspended all first-team operations, reflecting the communal grief shared by fans, players, and management alike.
Following a temporary halt in their activities, the club stated they would return to training, a decision marked by a series of consultations with essential bodies, including the Ghana Football Association and the Ghana Police Service. Lawyer Sarfo Duku, the club’s Public Relations Officer, clarified that the team’s competitive return is being strategically planned after the burial and funeral rites of Nana Pooley.
Though there were initial concerns about the lack of direct consultation with supporters in this decision, Duku emphasized the necessity of meeting financial obligations to players and adhering to commitments such as the CAF schedule. He reassured supporters that they are actively involved in discussions with stakeholders, ensuring transparency and inclusion despite the circumstances.
Additionally, before deciding on the return, Asante Kotoko, in a display of unity, collaborated with rival club Hearts of Oak to propose a series of reforms to the FA, aiming for improvements that will benefit the future of Ghanaian football. While progress is underway, with some demands having already been addressed, the implementation of an autonomous league remains a work in progress, illustrating both clubs’ commitment to advancing the sport in the country amidst challenging times.
Source: Ghanasoccernet