Asante Kotoko has announced their return to competitive football following the final burial rites of their late supporter, Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
The club temporarily withdrew from all football activities after Nana Pooley’s tragic passing at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre during a Matchday 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC.
Despite resuming training on Wednesday, Kotoko opted out of the FA Cup Round of 16 matches. However, during a press conference, the club’s Head of Public Relations, Lawyer Sarfo Duku, confirmed that Kotoko will return to action after the burial of their devoted fan.
With the funeral rites scheduled for March 6, Kotoko is expected to resume competitive play immediately afterward.
“I would like to declare that, based on the happenings, Asante Kotoko shall be ready for action after the burial and final funeral rites of the late Nana Pooley,” Lawyer Sarfo Duku stated.
Although some supporters were not directly consulted before the decision, Duku explained the club’s stance.
“We have players to pay, a CAF calendar to meet. The fans are aware of every step we take. They always take part in meetings with all stakeholders,” he added.
Before this decision, Asante Kotoko, alongside rivals Hearts of Oak, had issued a joint statement urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement a series of proposed reforms.