Key Takeaways
- Fatau Dauda, who was Ghana's goalkeeper at the 2014 World Cup, is now doing what he can to develop the next wave of talent.
- Dauda spoke to RG about his new role as his country's goalkeeping coach as they eye a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- The 40-year-old also opened up on his role with the Right to Dream Academy when he's not on international duty.
Fatau Dauda at 2014 World Cup for Ghana (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Fatau Dauda may be best remembered for his heroic performances between the sticks for Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but today, the former Black Stars goalkeeper is making waves in a different way by shaping the future of goalkeeping in Africa.
Now 40, Dauda is embracing life after retirement with the same energy and passion that defined his playing days.
As the current goalkeeper coach of Ghana’s national team, his contributions have helped the Black Stars find stability at the back, with the team comfortably poised to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
But Dauda’s impact extends well beyond the national team.
Coaching at The Grassroots: Right to Dream Academy
When he’s not on international duty, Dauda dedicates his time to one of the most prestigious football academies on the continent; the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana.
As the head of the goalkeeping department, he is responsible for developing the next generation of elite goalkeepers, using modern training methodologies that align with international standards.
Right to Dream, founded in Ghana and now part of a global football group owned by Egyptian billionaire and San Diego FC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour, has long been a talent pipeline to European clubs and U.S.-based Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.
Dauda’s presence at the academy underscores the commitment to not only outfield development but also elite-level goalkeeper training in Africa.
“Coaching is good when you have the passion,” Dauda told RG.org after Right to Dream’s participation at the 2025 Gothia Cup in Sweden.
“I love football, so I knew I would remain in the cycle especially in goalkeeping.
“I need to train the next generation to meet the modern trend of goalkeeping, not like how we were trained before. The game is always changing.”
Dauda is not just relying on his past glories or instincts as a player. He has taken part in multiple CAF (Confederation of African Football) goalkeeper coaching courses and continues to invest in his growth as a trainer.
The former Orlando Pirates and Enyimba shot-stopper briefly served as the goalkeeper coach of Sudan’s national team, working under Kwesi Appiah, before returning to work alongside Otto Addo with the Black Stars.
This blend of practical experience and formal coaching education gives Dauda a unique edge.
“There are levels to coaching,” he noted.
“Some coaches have zero knowledge about training goalkeepers while of us use our past experience as players, which helps but it’s not enough.
“You need to understand methodology, game analysis, biomechanics, and even psychology.”
Addressing Africa’s Goalkeeping Gap
Dauda is part of a growing number of ex-professionals who are stepping into the coaching space, not just to fill roles, but to bridge the gap between African and European goalkeeping standards.
In his view, one of the main challenges that African goalkeepers face is not talent, but access to proper coaching and training methodology.
“We will get there with the next generation, I believe,” Dauda said.
“We have our own style of goalkeeping at Right to Dream which aligns with modern world football. But across the continent, we need more coaching education, more resources for goalkeeper trainers, and better focus on the physical and psychological demands of the position.
“Game understanding, position-specific conditioning, and anticipation skills are areas where many African goalkeepers lag because of how and what they’re taught.”
Dauda’s World Cup Legacy is More Than Memories
Many still remember Dauda’s heroic saves against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and the stalwart performance against Germany during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Although Ghana didn’t make it past the group stage, Dauda’s agility and reflexes drew global praise.
But instead of resting on that legacy, he’s chosen to build on it.
He sees his current role as a responsibility to pass on what he learnt and elevate African goalkeeping to global standards.
He added: “I see myself in some of these young keepers. They remind me of my early days.
“The dream is bigger now. They want to go to Europe, to play in the Champions League, to represent Africa at the highest level. My job is to give them the foundation and belief that it’s possible.”
