Asante Kotoko, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, bid a final farewell to their loyal fan, Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, who was fatally stabbed during Asante Kotoko’s game against Nsoatreman SC on February 2, 2025.
The club paid a heartfelt tribute to him, expressing how significant he was to the Kotoko family, and acknowledging the pain of the loss while encouraging fans to continue to uphold the values he represented.
The club also assured his family that his loss has earned them an “unshakable family” and that every fan within Asante Kotoko would forever stand with them.
For Pooley, Asante Kotoko, in the statement, vowed again to ensure his name forever echoes through the Baba Yara Stadium.
The funeral saw various clubs from the country, fans, and the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) pay their last respects to the deceased.
In an official statement by the club, they expressed their profound gratitude to sympathizers who stood by them during difficult times.
Read the full tribute below:
TRIBUTE BY ASANTE KOTOKO SC TO FRANCIS YAW FRIMPONG (POOLEY)
A LIGHT THAT NEVER FADES
Today, we stand here not just in mourning but in deep reflection. We gather with hearts heavier than words can express because we are not only saying goodbye to a supporter—we are saying goodbye to a pillar of Asante Kotoko, a brother whose love for this club ran deeper than blood.
Francis Yaw Frimpong—Pooley.
To many, he was just a fan. To us, he was the heartbeat of Asante Kotoko.
To many, he was just a voice in the stands. To us, he was the fire that kept us going.
Pooley was the kind of supporter every club dreams of having but only a few are blessed to know. He did not just love Kotoko, he lived Kotoko. Through the victories and defeats, through the highs and lows, he was always there. Rain or shine, home or away, his voice never wavered, his passion never dimmed.
And yet, here we are. A cruel and senseless act has silenced a voice that should have never been silenced. Today, his chants do not ring through Baba Yara. His laughter does not fill our gatherings. His unwavering spirit, which lifted so many of us, has been torn away. And that pain, that void, can never truly be filled.
But while they may have taken Pooley from us, they can never take Pooley away from Kotoko. His memory will not fade. His name will not be forgotten. His legacy will not be buried.
To his family, we say this: You have not lost a son; you have gained an unshakable family. Every single person wearing the red of Kotoko stands with you. In your grief, in your sorrow, and in your pursuit of justice, we are with you.
To our supporters, let this be a moment of unity, not division. Let Pooley’s memory push us to build a game that is safe, a game that honors passion without violence, a game where no family ever has to endure this pain again.
And to you, Pooley, our brother, our warrior, our legend, we make this promise: Your name will forever echo in Baba Yara. Your seat in the stands will never be empty. Your memory will never fade.
You are not gone. You are Kotoko. And Kotoko is forever.
Rest in power, Pooley. You will never walk alone
Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awuah
Chairman, IMC – Asante Kotoko SC
