Ghana Goalkeepers' Coach Reveals Why Fatau Gets The Nod Over Kwarasey

Ghana goalkeepers� coach Nassam Yakubu has revealed that several factors are taken into consideration before the Black Stars starting shot-stopper for a match, as the debate over the status of Fatau Dauda and Adam Kwarasey as Ghana�s No.1 rages on. Yakubu, who is also the goalkeeper�s trainer for Medeama, says apart from the player�s performances at club level, performances during training is a major consideration. The added that the confidence of a goalkeeper during training sessions also plays a role in the decision to name a shot-stopper to start a match. This comes after the criticism over Fatau�s status as the first choice Black Stars goalkeeper when he is struggling to gain playing time with his South African club Orlando Pirates. Fatau is chosen ahead of Kwarasey who is the captain of Norwegian league champions Stromsgodset, having led them to the league title by keeping in all their match. The hardworking shot-stoppers trainer rejected claims that the coaching staff have their favourites before players arrive for camping before Black Stars matches. He said the key factor they consider is choosing the goalkeeper for the match is the performance of the player during training with the Black Stars. �In picking a number one for Black Stars games, I consider numerous qualities and make my observations at the training grounds,� the Black Stars goalkeepers� coach said in an interview. �I don�t make a choice beforehand as all need to have equal chances to fight for the slot ahead of matches. �The mental attitude of the player is very important. Sometimes you watch the person workout and you can deduce the person is not very prepared. �The person�s carriage at training and his will to die for what he is doing; these among others inform my decision. �I wish you were there to observe our training sessions with these guidelines at the back of your mind. �You may even find who my pick is prior to our matches,� Yakubu concluded. The fight for the starting place in the Ghana team will be hectic as Dauda, Kwarasey, Daniel Agyei, Razak Brimah and Richard Kingson are all seeking to join the Black Stars for the World Cup