A remarkable graduate of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Daniel Dadson, has brilliantly shown that physical impairment should never stand in the way of making a positive impact on others.
Residing in Kumasi Tafo alongside his grandmother, this young man dedicates himself to coaching the Invincible FC, a local football team nurturing young talents in the neighborhood.
Guiding a diverse group of players under the banner of Invincible Sporting Club, Daniel has nurtured remarkable talent within his fold.
His influence has even extended beyond Ghana’s borders, with some of his protégés, such as Alex Opoku, now excelling in professional football abroad, gracing the field with Aris Limassol Football Club in Cyprus, and Abu Francis showcasing his skills with Cercle Brugge.
From a young age, life has woven its intricate threads for Daniel. He was entrusted into the loving care of his grandmother, Maame Efua Mensah, when he was just two weeks old, and has since grown without the presence of his mother, who has been absent for more than half of his life.
“They gave birth to him somewhere and brought him to me when he was two weeks old. I cared for him for three months and realised he could not walk. When he was much younger, he enjoyed playing football. So we bought him a ball from the market. I pray God blesses his work,” his grandmother, Maame Efua Mensah, told TV3.
However, his personal journey has not deterred him; in fact, it has ignited a passionate fire within him.
Fueled by an unwavering love for football, Daniel channels his determination into supporting other children who harbor dreams of becoming future football legends. Each morning, he readies himself for his noble mission, embarking on a 20-minute walk from his home to the training field.
Now at the age of 30, Daniel firmly believes that his potential knows no bounds, disability notwithstanding.
“My dream is to become a top-notch coach in the near future. So I decided to start with the kids. We all know the stigma involved. When they see you as a physically challenged person, they always say you cannot do anything. Meanwhile, disability is not inability,” he said.
He draws inspiration from the likes of Prosper Narteh Ogum, the esteemed coach of Asante Kotoko, aiming not only to match his achievements but to surpass them.
“It is because of his style of play for me, I love Champagne football,” Daniel noted.
Daniel Dadson’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s boundless capacity for resilience and generosity.
He proves that life’s challenges can serve as stepping stones towards greatness, and his commitment to empowering young talents resonates as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for aspiring footballers and dreamers alike.
It is the hope that many in Daniel’s shoes take a cue from his active life and shine bright in whatever corner they find themselves and challenge the status quo.