Orlando Pirates rule out re-signing Fatau Dauda

Orlando Pirates have ruled out re-signing Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda following the death of Senzo Meyiwa, insisting Brighton Mhlongo can fill the void left by the late former South Africa captain.

Dauda endured a difficult spell at the Buccaneers where he was restricted to the substitute bench due to the presence of deceased Meyiwa.

The shocking death of Meyiwa however, sparked reports that the South African side were considering re-signing the Ghanaian international but the club’s Youth Technical Director Augusto Palacios has quenched those reports insisting Mhlongo has the quality to become their preferred number one choice.

Mhlongo, like Meyiwa, joined Pirates in his early teens and has been waiting patiently to get his turn in goal in the senior team.

He had the opportunity to learn from experienced goalkeepers such as Meyiwa, Moeneeb Josephs and Ghanaian international Fatau Dauda — who all played for Pirates.

“Brighton had Senzo, he had the goalkeeper from Ghana (Dauda) and Moeneeb Josephs,” Palacios said. “I believe he learnt a lot from these goalkeepers and it will help him going forward,” he said.

“I don’t think there is a need for Pirates to sign a goalkeeper,” Palacios said. “They can maybe get a goalkeeper who will be a cover on the bench in case one of the goalkeepers is injured or suspended.”

Dauda has since re-signed for Ashantigold in the Ghanaian top-tier.