Posted On Thursday, 1st August 2013
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa
By Ameenu Shardow
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa says Fatawu Dauda will have to sit on the bench and bid his time like he previously did to become the side’s first choice.
The Ghana international was sold to the South African giants last month by AshantiGold.
Dauda is expected to take up the first choice position under manager Roger De Sa following the depature of Moeneeb Josephs to Bidvest Wits.
But the Black Stars no.1 has found it very difficult to get inbetween the sticks ahead of Meyiwa with the commencement of the South African league fast on the horizon.
Meyiwa now says the Ghana goalkeeper will have to wait further on the sidelines as an understudy as he have all these while before becoming first choice with the Buccaneers.
“He (Fatau Dauda) is a very good goalkeeper. He is got the experience too, but I am not intimidated by that because we are teammates and not the enemies,” he said.
“I am a hard worker and I think my performance has proved that, but I need to continue working hard and also continue doing well if I want to play regularly.
“Fatau is a great keeper and I know that he is waiting for his chance just like I was waiting for mine, but he will have to fight for the number one jersey.”
This situation will put extra pressure on Dauda’s first choice position with the Black Stars.
Adam Kwarasey is hot on the shot-stopper’s heels while veteran Richard Kingson is on the comeback trail after securing a move to Cypriot club Doxa.
Goalkeepers elsewhere including Razak Braimah have also been impressive with their clubs – indicating the stiff competition Duada faces at international level.
He therefore needs regular games at his club to stay competitive and ensure he sharpens his art.
Dauda emerged one of the revelations of the Ghana team at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
It was through his impressive performance in South Africa which saw him dethrone Adam Kwarasey as the Black Stars’ first choice that attracted interests from a wide range of clubs of which Orlando Pirates subsequently landed the 27-year-old.