Former General Manager of Nsoatreman FC, Eric Alagidede, has shared a unique approach he used to curb fan violence during his tenure at the club — one that involved building relationships with individuals considered most likely to cause trouble.
Nsoatreman have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons over the past week after an Asante Kotoko fan was murdered on their home turf during a Ghana Premier League match between the two teams on February 2, 2025.
What began as an on-field altercation among players escalated into the stands, leading to violent clashes that tragically resulted in the death of Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley.
Although Nsoatreman is not typically associated with such incidents, the shocking event has left many Ghanaian football fans in disbelief.
However, in an interview with Sporty FM, Alagidede explained why there were no records of violence during his time as general manager. His secret? Gaining the trust of the very individuals known for causing trouble on match days.
“One of the things I did so well at Nsoatre, that I can always credit myself is the fact that I got into town and became a friend to all the so called ‘bad boys’.
“This was my strategy, so you get so close to them, and they become your friends. At any point in time they want to start something, and you start talking to them, it becomes very easy,” Alagidede said.
He further explained how keeping these individuals in check played a crucial role in maintaining order at the club’s venue.
“So long as you’re able to control those people, then, of course, you can control every other person because if some chaos will erupt over there, normally it starts with them.
“So for the fact that you’re able to bring them under your control, then it becomes so easy for you to control them,” he added.
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