Young Talented goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu, is breaking all odds in making it to the top level

Born in Sawla in the Sawla Tuna Kalba District of the Savannah Region, Abdulai Iddrisu started his football as goalkeeper at age 13 in primary school after his sports master discovered him.

Due to his outstanding performance, Iddrisu played football throughout the basic school level and manned the post for every school he attended.

He participated in most Inter-School and District Sports Competitions and represented the Northern Region in three Inter-Regional Sports Competitions at the time in Cape Coast, Koforidua and Kumasi.

Iddrisu acquired for himself the nickname ‘Da Sylva’ from the former Senegalese goalkeeper Tony Mario Sylva after the goalkeeper helped his country’s national team, the Teranga Lions in 2002 to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in their first ever appearance.

Young Abdulai Iddrisu idolizes the former Monaco and Lille goalkeeper and nicknamed himself ‘Da Sylva’ after the ex Senegalese shot goal stopper.

At Damongo Senior High School, Iddrisu (Da Sylva) took charge of the goal posts in his second year after he showed his prowess in goal in his first year. He became the sports prefect and captain of the school in his final year in the school.

Regarded by many as promising, Abdulai developed himself into one of the best goalkeepers in and around the Sawla Tuna Kalba District, and didn’t surprise most people when he took over as the first choice goalkeeper of STK stars – a division two (2) side in Sawla.

He also played for Wa Suntaa SC in the Upper West Region, London Soccer Academy and Great Kindy. The latter two being in the Central Region in Cape Coast and Winneba respectively.

He played for Save African Child FC – a Burkinabe Football Club Beahu Peace FC among a host of clubs. He currently plays for Bachem United in Ghana’s premier league.

Iddrisu (Da Sylva) was an integral part of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) team when he combined education and soccer.

He pursued degree in BSc. Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports at the University and graduated with a second class honours (Upper Division) in 2019.

During his time with the University team, Iddrisu was in the goal post for the school for all his four year period of study and won many laurels for the school and himself.

With his great sense of leadership qualities, he led his hall of residence, Simpson Hall to win the Inter Hall Soccer Sports Competition in 2018 and later became the captain of the University team.

Iddrisu (Da Sylva) won the UEW Sports Personality of the year for 2018, The Best goalkeeper for the Ghana University Students Association (GUSA) games for 2018 in Tamale, and won the award again in 2019 when the competition was held in Cape Coast and eventually became the Best Male Footballer of the year for 2019 when UEW honored its gallant sports men and women.

He has gained more experience all these years and is now noted for his outstanding reflexes, agility, and shot stopping in the post.

Abdulai is 6 ft 3 inches tall and is also noted for his good jumping skills, excellent range of passing, always have an eye on what is happening in the field, positioning, awareness, leadership, confidence and tactically intelligent.

He also has an excellent ball control, vision, command in his area, composure, and accurate ball distribution with both hands and feet, which enables him to start attacking play from the back.

Apart from being consistent, Abdulai has the ability to deal with aerial balls, and has good anticipation as well.

He was born in May 1997 in Ghana and is looking up to one of the most experienced goalkeeper in world football (Manuel Neuer) for his ability to perform with both hands and feets.

Abdulai Iddrisu (Da Sylva) have the ability to adapt with any coach, formation and team mates

With his qualities he is expected to break in to Europe any time soon.