GPL: Black Stars Coach Urges Players to Invest Money And Save for Life After Football
- Ghana goalkeepers' coach Fatau Dauda has disclosed that he built four houses while plying his trade in the Ghana Premier League
- The ex-Black Stars custodian shared this experience to motivate younger players to invest wisely while they are still actively playing
- Dauda's career included stints at teams like Ashanti Gold, Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, Enyimba, Legon Cities, and Okwahu United
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Ghana's national goalkeeping coach, Fatau Dauda, has urged Ghana Premier League (GPL) players to invest in their life beyond football.
The former Black Stars keeper earned 26 caps for Ghana between 2008 and 2015, making appearances in AFCON 2013 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup for his country.
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Dauda spent eight years with ex-Ghana Premier League side Ashanti Gold SC from 2006 to 2013, before returning for a second stint from 2014 to 2016, per Pulse Ghana.
During the former Enyimba goalkeeper's playing days in Ghana's top flight, he stated that he successfully built four houses with his signing-on bonus from the Miners.
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Dauda, who also turned for South African giants Orlando Pirates, shared advice with current GPL players, urging them to prioritise investing and saving for the future.
He exclusively told YEN.com.gh:
"I was still playing in the Ghana Premier League when I built my first house. I actually built four houses. I also built a four-bedroom house after AFCON 2008.
"I know it's not easy but I believe the players in the GPL should start saving and investing. They don't have to wait until they retire.
"If a player is at the age of 35 in football, your career is almost over, so this is the time to start investing and planning towards the future. They shouldn't wait till they've hung up their boots."
Dauda explains advice he received as player
Dauda also opened up about the pivotal advice he received from coach David Duncan, which shaped his career path in coaching.
The ex-Chippa United keeper, who had already completed his License D coaching certification in 2022, explained that Duncan advised him to focus on becoming a specialised goalkeeping coach rather than pursuing a broader coaching role.
"I have to thank Coach Duncan - he played a role in where I am today. He encouraged me to focus on coaching goalkeepers even though I wanted to become the main coach, and the rest, they say, is history."
Taking this advice to heart, Dauda shifted his attention to enhancing his knowledge in coaching the next generation of talented shot-stoppers.
He decided to pursue online courses to deepen his expertise in a specialised area, setting aside his initial plans to advance in general coaching.
"I did so many online courses about goalkeeping coaching to get to where I am now. I know learning on the job makes you a good coach."
Dauda emphasised the importance of discipline and hard work, noting that with the right mindset, GPL players can secure their financial stability.
He highlighted that planning for life after football is crucial, ensuring that players can transition into their retirement without financial stress.
"Now is the time for players to prioritize saving and investing for their future. I understand the challenges they face, but planning must start now. With discipline, they can explore meaningful careers such as coaching, scouting, or video analysis, among other opportunities."
What's next for Fatau Dauda?
In October 2023, Dauda became a goalkeeper trainer for the Sudanese national team, working alongside his compatriots Kwesi Appiah and Ignatius Osei-Fosu, per GhanaSoccernet.
However, he has since stepped down from this position after being appointed to the new Ghana Black Stars coaching staff under Otto Addo.
Dauda’s coaching experience includes roles with the Right to Dream Academy and the Ghana U-20 team. He also represented clubs such as Okwahu United, Ashanti Gold, Chippa United, Enyimba, Orlando Pirates, and Legon Cities as a player.
He was part of the Ghana national team for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, served as the first-choice goalkeeper during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and played as the main goalkeeper for Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Dauda, alongside Black Stars head coach Addo, is expected to guide Ghana to qualification for next year's AFCON in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana FA president wants GPL refereeing improved
YEN.com.gh also reported that Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku stated that federation wanted to improve the standard refereeing in the GPL.
The Ghana Premier League has received widespread criticism over the 'poor state' of officiating in the domestic league, which begins this September.
Okraku unveiled his federation's plans for improving officiating in the country, mentioning possibly introducing Video Assistant Referees (VAR).
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Source: YEN.com.gh
