By Kwame Bediako
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most prestigious football clubs, has announced their decision to return to the football pitch on 6th March, 2025 after the burial of Nana Pooley who died during a match against Nsoatreman in match day 19 of the top-flight league.
The incident, which occurred during a melee at the Nsoatre Stadium, left Pooley dead after he was stabbed by an opposition fan identified as Brimah. The immediate aftermath of the tragedy saw a strong stance from Asante Kotoko, who initially threatened to boycott all football activities until those responsible for Pooley’s death were brought to justice.
However, the club has since softened its position, announcing that they will return to the pitch following Pooley’s funeral rites, which are scheduled for March 6. While maintaining their demand for accountability, Asante Kotoko has opted to proceed with football activities in order to prevent further disruption and ensure the continuity of the league season.
In a recent press conference, Sarfo Duku, the club’s Communications Director, stated, “Based on the happenings, Asante Kotoko shall be ready and willing to return to the pitch after the burial and final funeral rites of the late Nana Pooley. We also have players that we are paying, and at the end of their contracts, we expect that the contracts shall be renewed.”
“Secondly, we are all under CAF and very soon, the GFA will be compelled to submit the participants for next year’s CAF Inter-club competitions, so there are timelines. We have thought it wise that, while we continue to seek justice for our brother, the league and therefore football activities can move on and we are fully prepared.”
Despite the club’s decision to return, concerns remain about the safety of players and fans, especially given that the primary suspect, Brimah, is still at large. Critics argue that resuming football too soon could lead to further violence and instability within the league. However, Asante Kotoko has chosen to prioritize the resumption of football as a means to honor their fallen supporter and move forward.
