Orlando Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa or Fatau Dauda?

The war of words between Ghana soccer fans and Orlando Pirates soccer fans.

The war of words between Ghana and Orlando Pirates soccer fans has erupted in the social networks. Many Ghana soccer fans believe that Fatau Dauda should be given a fair chance to play ahead of Senzo Meyiwa to boost his chances to represented Ghana in the forthcoming Brazil 2014 FIFA world Cup whilst Orlando Pirates fans believe that Senzo Meyiwa has matured as a goalkeeper and was behind the Orlando Pirates success in the African Championship Cup after bravery performance against TP Mazembe. They believe that Meyiwa is now the spine of the team at the back. Pirates fans are saying “why fix it if it ain't broke” which means replacing of Meyiwa now is not necessary due to his heroic performance.

 Currently, Pirates and Bafana second choice keeper Meyiwa is the best goalkeeper in Africa alongside the Stade Malien and Mali second choice goalkeeper Soumbeila Diakite who is well-known for stopping May Mahlangu and Dean Furman penalties in the 2013 CAF Champions League. Meyiwa and Diakite did well in the Champions League and Confederation Cup. The two goalkeepers are nominated for the best African player of the year based in Africa.

The goalkeeper should be selected based on merits than reputation. Meyiwa has done well for Orlando Pirates to deserve a first choice goalkeeper. Just like wine, Meyiwa is maturing over time. Meyiwa needs more game time to build confidence towards ousting Itumeleng Khune as Bafana number 1 but he needs to improve on aerial ball, ball distribution and positioning techniques to be overall the best keeper in the Premier Soccer League.

Dauda lacks of game time was exposed in Egypt. He had abysmal game by his standard especial dealing with aerial balls. His confidence was low throughout the game. He needs game time to improve his goalkeeping techniques. He is one of the best keepers in the continent but currently Meyiwa stands the head and shoulder above him. He is not a second choice keeper at Pirates but a 3rd Choice keeper behind young Brighton Mhlongo with a bright future ahead of him.

Pirates spent close to R5 million rand to acquired Dauda’s service but it would be a good idea to loan him back this January to any Ghana team with guarantee first team action until the end of the 2014 FIFA World Cup so that he can gain more confidence to improve his goalkeeping techniques for the sake of his international career.

Dauda is an international goalkeeper who deserves week and week out first team action than occupying the famous Mark Mayambela seat on the stand.

By Owen Mundalamo

Twitter: @diskioff [www.twitter.com/diskioff]

If you want to be a Guest Writer via Diskioff please send your article/s to diskioff@gmail.com - subject ‘Guest Writer’