By Kwame Bediako
The Chairman of Asante Kotoko Circles, Alex Manu, has officially confirmed that the late Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately known as Nana Pooley, will be laid to rest on March 6. This announcement follows a period of mourning, during which fans and the broader football community paid their respects at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Frimpong’s untimely demise, which occurred just two weeks prior, sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian football scene. The tragedy unfolded during Kotoko’s Matchday 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC, when Frimpong was fatally stabbed. This act of violence has left a palpable void among supporters, players, and the entire football ecosystem, sparking widespread grief and calls for peace.
The aftermath of the incident has led to the suspension of the Ghana Premier League. This decision extends to Kotoko’s MTN FA Cup round of 16 match against Sekondi XI Wise, which was initially set to take place over the weekend. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has recognized the need for a pause in activities, citing the importance of respecting the Akan cultural tradition of mourning.
In a meeting with GFA President Kurt Okraku, Manu emphasized the importance of averting the league’s schedule until Frimpong’s burial. “We told him that until our supporter is buried, we cannot play the league,” Manu stated. “In Akan tradition, when a family member passes away, you do not actively partake in anything until the funeral date is set.”
Manu also highlighted the challenges faced by fans, stating, “Pooley’s burial is fixed for March 6, and Kotoko supporters cannot have that free mind to support the team until after that.” The GFA’s cooperation with Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee demonstrates a shared commitment to prioritizing tradition and community during this sensitive period.
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