Zebi & Friends bid farewell to football elder Quartey-Papafio
Members of Zebi & Friends, together with former football stars, coaches, administrators, family members, and sympathizers, gathered in Accra today to pay their final respects to former Zebi FC defender and respected football elder, Andrews Quartey-Papafio, who passed away at the age of 65.
The solemn ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes, fond memories, and reflections on the remarkable life of a man whose contribution to football and friendship left an indelible mark on many. Until his passing, Andrews Quartey-Papafio served as Chairman of Zebi & Friends, a fraternity comprising former players of Zebi FC and retired footballers from various clubs across Ghana.
The funeral ceremony attracted several distinguished personalities from Ghana’s football fraternity, including former national stars George Alhassan, Bobbie Ansah, Hesse Odamtten, Sampson Lamptey, Ollabode Williams, George Lamptey. Ayitey Crankson, Nii Adu Sackey. Also in attendance were former Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea coach Orlando Wellington, alongside, Joseph Mensah “Pele”, Victor Larsey, Joe Quarcoo, Sowah Ghartey, Commey Bortsie, Thomas Otinkorang, Joseph Badger, Kwesi Adzrah, and Festus Lamptey.
In an emotional tribute, members of Zebi & Friends described Quartey-Papafio as a man whose life embodied leadership, loyalty, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of others.
“We are gathered here this morning with heavy hearts to pay tribute to our beloved chairman, Andrews Quartey-Papafio, affectionately known to many as ‘Papafio’ or ‘Papa Pee,’ whose mortal remains lie before us today,” the tribute read.
According to the group, he was a pillar of strength, a unifier, mentor, and the very heartbeat of Zebi & Friends.
On the football field, Andrews Quartey-Papafio earned admiration and respect for his commanding defensive displays.
In 1981, he signed for top-flight side Zebi FC before moving to Accra Great Olympics. After a brief spell with Great Olympics, he rejoined Zebi FC in 1984 and spent four memorable years with the club. During his second stint, he helped Zebi FC win the prestigious INDUTECH Cup, a highlight of his playing career.
