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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates and Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda says he is ready to represent his country at the upcoming Soccer World Cup in Brazil next month.
The 29-year-old goal minder remained optimistic that despite his lack of regular game time, nothing will prevent him from helping the Black Stars emulate their heroics from South Africa four years ago.
The Black Stars narrowly missed out on a chance to reach the semi-finals of the tournament in 2010 when they lost to Uruguay, 4-2, on penalties after a 1-all draw at the FNB Stadium.
Sulley Muntari was on target for Ghana that night as Diego Forlan grabbed an equaliser for the South American giants.
Speaking exclusively to Sport24 on Monday, Dauda revealed that he does not need regular game time to be ready for the global spectacle as he promised the African continent that he will rise to the occasion.
"I'm ready for the World Cup," Dauda said.
"I have been training with my team every day.
"Although I didn't play as much as I would have liked but I don't need match games to be ready for the World Cup.
"I want to represent my country.
"Even my Pirates team-mates are supportive with regards to this.
Ghana have been drawn in a tough Group G pool with the likes of Portugal, Germany and the USA, but the Buccaneers shot stopper believed his team-mates will give their opponents a run for their money.
“To be the best you must beat the best.
“We might be in a tough group but we will be motivated by what we did in South Africa in 2010.
“We are not under pressure at all and we are confident that we will make it.
Dauda concluded by stating that when Ghana face Portugal, his team-mates will not be focusing solely on keeping the Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, at bay.
“Football is based on team work not individual work.
“We can’t focus only on him (Ronaldo) because he is their key player.
“We will give all players the same treatment like we should,” added Dauda.
The Black Stars will open their 2014 campaign against the USA at the Arena Das Dunas stadium.
The two sides clashed in the Last 16 in South Africa as Ghana walked away 2-1 victors after extra-time.
Kevin Prince Boateng and Asamoah Gyan scored for Milovan Rajovac’s charges, while London Donovan found the net for the USA.
This encounter is scheduled for June 17.
The 29-year-old goal minder remained optimistic that despite his lack of regular game time, nothing will prevent him from helping the Black Stars emulate their heroics from South Africa four years ago.
The Black Stars narrowly missed out on a chance to reach the semi-finals of the tournament in 2010 when they lost to Uruguay, 4-2, on penalties after a 1-all draw at the FNB Stadium.
Sulley Muntari was on target for Ghana that night as Diego Forlan grabbed an equaliser for the South American giants.
Speaking exclusively to Sport24 on Monday, Dauda revealed that he does not need regular game time to be ready for the global spectacle as he promised the African continent that he will rise to the occasion.
"I'm ready for the World Cup," Dauda said.
"I have been training with my team every day.
"Although I didn't play as much as I would have liked but I don't need match games to be ready for the World Cup.
"I want to represent my country.
"Even my Pirates team-mates are supportive with regards to this.
Ghana have been drawn in a tough Group G pool with the likes of Portugal, Germany and the USA, but the Buccaneers shot stopper believed his team-mates will give their opponents a run for their money.
“To be the best you must beat the best.
“We might be in a tough group but we will be motivated by what we did in South Africa in 2010.
“We are not under pressure at all and we are confident that we will make it.
Dauda concluded by stating that when Ghana face Portugal, his team-mates will not be focusing solely on keeping the Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, at bay.
“Football is based on team work not individual work.
“We can’t focus only on him (Ronaldo) because he is their key player.
“We will give all players the same treatment like we should,” added Dauda.
The Black Stars will open their 2014 campaign against the USA at the Arena Das Dunas stadium.
The two sides clashed in the Last 16 in South Africa as Ghana walked away 2-1 victors after extra-time.
Kevin Prince Boateng and Asamoah Gyan scored for Milovan Rajovac’s charges, while London Donovan found the net for the USA.
This encounter is scheduled for June 17.
