Former Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda recently shared insights into how his tenure with the Black Stars transformed his life, revealing that he was able to construct his own house following his participation in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Dauda, who earned 26 caps for Ghana between 2008 and 2015, including appearances in the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, spoke of the profound impact representing his country had on his personal and professional journey.
“Because of the national team, when police officers meet me on the road, they stop, salute and exchange pleasantries with me. Think of this, it’s a very deep thing. When doing something, do it with passion because that’s what will keep you going,” Dauda remarked while addressing the team for the first time since his appointment.
“I went to the 2008 AFCON with Ghana and after that, I was out of the team for so many years. But with what I got from the 2008 AFCON, I managed to build my own house. My father and mother had a house but I realised that it’s a family property and I have sisters and brothers so I went to get my own house,” he explained.
Highlighting the motivational impact of national team call-ups, Dauda emphasised his perseverance until his return to the squad in November 2012 for AFCON qualifiers.
“Going for national assignments was a big motivation for me, so, I kept pushing until November 2012 when I got called up for the qualifier of the 2012 and 2013 AFCONs,” he added.
Before assuming his current role as a goalkeeper trainer for the Black Stars, Dauda served as part of the technical team in Sudan, assisting former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah.