Black Stars to Support Thomas Partey at His Father’s Funeral

The Black Stars will pause their November international duty to stand with vice-captain Thomas Partey, whose father, Jacob Teye Partey, is being laid to rest.

The funeral lands in the middle of the international window, but the team has no plans to let football get in the way of backing one of their own. After Thursday’s first-leg qualifier against Somalia, part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, the players are expected to head to the Eastern Region. They’ll join Partey and his family for the ceremonies.

It’s a simple gesture, but it matters. Partey will have his national teammates by his side at a painful time, and the players get a chance to show that their bond goes beyond what happens on the pitch. When the ceremonies are over, the squad is expected to get back to preparations.

The funeral programme says final rites begin on Friday, November 13, at Transition Funeral Home in Accra.

The burial service takes place the next day, Saturday, November 14, at Matse Israel School Park in Odumasi Krobo, Aklomase. A thanksgiving service will follow at the same venue on Sunday, November 15, which closes out the programme.

There won’t be much time to rest. The Black Stars are due to face Somalia again on Monday, November 16, in the second leg of the double-header. Both matches are being played at Essipong Sports Stadium.

Travelling to the Eastern Region between the two legs makes for a busy few days. Still, the focus for now is on supporting their vice-captain and his family, with the football picking up again afterwards.

As the Black Stars rally around Partey, plenty of supporters will be keeping him and his loved ones in their thoughts.

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