[ 2013-12-19 ]

World Cup trouble for Dauda as Orlando Pirates rule out releasing benched Ghana goalkeeper
South African side Orlando Pirates have ruled out
releasing goalkeeper Fatau Dauda to go on loan
next month, damaging the shot-stopper’s chance
of being Ghana’s first choice at the 2014 World
Cup in Brazil in June.

Dauda is Ghana’s first choice goalkeeper going
but he has been reduced to a third choice at the
PSL club since sealing a move from Ghanaian side
AshGold in the summer.

Several Ghanaian football analysts including
coaches have expressed their worry that the
goalkeeper’s bench role in South Africa could
rob him of his sharpness ahead of the World Cup in
June.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has okayed a decision by
Dauda to move on loan to get playing time ahead of
the global tournament which will enhance his
chances of being the first choice for the Black
Stars.

Dauda, who arrived in South Africa in June, is yet
to make his debut for the Sea Robbers which many
claims has affected his sharpness.

Even though Orlando Pirates coach has stated
categorically Dauda is only his third choice
goalkeeper, the club’s administrator Floyd Mbele
insists the Ghana shot-stopper will not leave the
club during the winter transfer window.

“Dauda has a contract with us and I don’t know
why people are making this an issue,” Mbele told
KickOff.com

“This is like asking you to leave Kick Off and
join Soccer Laduma when you have a contract with
your current employers.

“We have spoken to Dauda and the coach in Ghana
has spoken to our coach. He understands the
situation.”

Despite claiming they have spoken to the Ghana
coach over the issue, not allowing Dauda to leave
next month at least on loan next month means the
Ghanaian will stay on the bench until May when the
season ends just days before Ghana’s World Cup
camp opens.

The lack of playing time in the South African
top-flight could severely affect his chances of
claiming the first choice spot of the Black
Stars.

The competition for Dauda’s first-choice place
in the Black Stars is very keen as Adam Kwarasey,
Razak Brimah and Daniel Agyei are serious on
dislodging the Orlando Pirates shot-stopper from
his perch.

Dauda is being kept out of the Pirates team by
Senzo Meyiwa.

Source - Ghanasoccer

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