Fankaty Dabo: From Tragedy to Triumph – The Footballer’s Quest to Reclaim His Pride
Fankaty Dabo’s football journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From being a key player in Coventry City’s rise to the Championship play-off final to being released by the club just days later, the 25-year-old has faced his fair share of setbacks. But despite the odds being against him, Dabo has refused to give up on his dreams.
In a candid interview with 90min, Dabo opens up about the aftermath of Coventry’s penalty shootout defeat to Luton Town, which led to him being released by the club. "Everyone still asks me about it," he says. "They always say something along the lines of, ‘Oh, you missed a penalty and this has happened to your career.’ It has become annoying. It could have changed a lot of people’s lives but at the end of the day, someone had to miss."
But Dabo’s determination to bounce back has been rewarded. He recently joined Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers on a short-term deal and is now determined to make a name for himself in the Scottish football scene.
So, what has been the key to Dabo’s resurgence? For the 25-year-old, it’s been the support of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and their summer camp, which he attended with fellow out-of-contract players. "It made me realise how enjoyable football can be," he admits. "I didn’t enjoy my time there [at Forest Green] but when I went to the PFA camp, I was like, ‘This is great. This is football. This is what being a team feels like.’"
The PFA’s summer camp was a game-changer for Dabo, allowing him to maintain his fitness levels and build relationships with fellow players. And with Raith Rovers now in his sights, Dabo is eager to make a lasting impression.
"It’s up to me – like it was last year – to prove how good I am," he says. "I just want to get back to a level where I’m playing good football. And I want to feel appreciated at a club who wants me. As long as I put my mind to it and stay focused, I’m sure I’ll be able to work my way up the ladder again."
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