About
The Club
Born in Tamale. Built on determination. Driven by a vision to put Northern Ghanaian football on the world map.
Steadfast Football
Club
Steadfast Football Club is a professional football club based in Tamale, the capital of Ghana’s Northern Region. Founded in April 2016, we compete in Zone One of the Ghana Division One League — the second tier of Ghanaian professional football — with an unwavering ambition to reach the Ghana Premier League.
Our home is the iconic Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, a 20,000-capacity venue that has witnessed some of the most electric atmospheres in Northern Ghana. On matchdays, the stadium comes alive with the passion of our supporters from across the region.
We share a fierce and celebrated local rivalry with Real Tamale United and Tamale City FC — derbies that generate enormous excitement within the media and fan community across the north.
Beyond the results, Steadfast FC is a club with a mission: to identify, develop and export elite footballing talent from the Northern Region of Ghana — creating life-changing opportunities for young players. Our track record already speaks for itself: we produced a player now earning his living in the English Premier League.
Mission, Vision
& Values
Our Mission
To develop, nurture and export elite football talent from the Northern Region of Ghana — creating opportunities for young players while building a club that makes Tamale and the entire North proud on the national stage.
Our Vision
To establish Steadfast FC as a dominant force in the Ghana Premier League, and a globally recognised academy that consistently produces players capable of performing at the highest levels of professional football in Africa and Europe.
Our Values
- Steadfastness — We never give up, no matter the challenge.
- Community — We belong to Tamale, and Tamale belongs to us.
- Development — Every player deserves a chance to grow.
- Integrity — We play the right way, on and off the pitch.
- Excellence — We always strive to be our very best.
Club
History
From a dream in Tamale to one of Ghana’s most talked-about Division One clubs — this is the Steadfast story.
The Beginning
In April 2016, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu — MP for Tamale South, lawyer and football enthusiast — founded Steadfast Football Club. His vision: to create a professional football environment in Tamale that could identify, develop and export talent from the Northern Region. The club was registered with the GFA and began its journey from the ground level.
Building the Foundation
In the club’s early years, Steadfast FC participated in the MTN FA Cup and lower division competitions, gaining vital experience. The technical staff began assembling talented young players from the Northern Region, putting in place the training structures, welfare systems and football philosophy that would underpin the club’s future success.
A Star is Born — Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
At just 15 years old, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku began his senior career at Steadfast FC. In 27 appearances he scored 20 goals, attracting scouts from across the continent. His former Steadfast coach famously compared him to Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele.
Division One & National Recognition
Steadfast FC secured their place in Zone One of the Ghana Division One League. Fatawu Issahaku was promoted to Ghana’s U-20 squad and played a starring role as Ghana won the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, being named the tournament’s Best Player.
The €17 Million Transfer
Sporting CP signed Fatawu Issahaku from Steadfast FC for €1.2 million. In 2024, Leicester City activated a €17 million buyout clause. Steadfast FC received €7.9 million — the largest transfer windfall ever received by a Northern Ghanaian club.
Reinvestment & Rebuilding
Key second-window signing Abdul Ganiyu scored the decisive goal that booked the club’s place in the middle league — a pivotal moment in the promotion push.
Abdul Ganiyu — scored the goal that took Steadfast to the middle league.
Zone One Leaders
After 14 matches, Steadfast FC sit 1st in Zone One with 34 points, 11 wins, 40 goals scored and a goal difference of +28. The biggest ever win — a 7–1 demolition of Tamale Vision FC on Match Day 14.
Hon. Haruna
Iddrisu
Founder, club owner and driving force behind Steadfast Football Club. One of Ghana’s most prominent public figures — and a man whose love for football is as deep as his commitment to the people of Tamale.
Born on 8 September 1970 in Tamale, he studied Sociology at the University of Ghana (1993–1997) and is a qualified barrister and Ghana Bar Association member since 2002.
He has represented Tamale South Constituency in Parliament since 2004, served as Minority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament from 2017, and currently serves as Ghana’s Minister of Education under President Mahama. He also owns Ghana Premier League club Karela United FC.
“I am doing Steadfast for the love of football and for the people of my home town.” — Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Management
& Staff
The dedicated team working tirelessly to make Steadfast FC the club it is.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Club Owner & Founder
Haruna Suale
Director
Zakaria Tia
Head CoachHonours &
Milestones
In just under a decade, Steadfast FC has achieved remarkable milestones.
€7.9M — Largest Transfer Fee Received by a Northern Ghanaian Club
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s permanent move to Leicester City in 2024 — via Sporting CP — earned Steadfast FC a historic €7.9 million sell-on clause windfall.
Zone One Leaders
1st in Zone One after 14 matches — 34 points, 11 wins, 40 goals.
Record Win
Steadfast FC 7–1 Tamale Vision FC — biggest victory in the club’s history.
Africa U-20 Best Player
Steadfast FC alumnus Fatawu Issahaku named Best Player of the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
€7.9M Transfer Windfall
Historic sell-on clause payment following Fatawu’s €17M permanent move to Leicester City — the largest fee ever received by a club from Northern Ghana.
Black Stars Call-Up
Fatawu Issahaku’s first Ghana senior call-up — a direct result of development at Steadfast FC.
Division One Establishment
Steadfast FC established in Zone One of the Ghana Division One League.
AC Milan Trials
Owner Haruna Iddrisu arranged AC Milan trials for five promising young Ghanaian footballers.
78.6% Win Rate
11 wins from 14 matches in 2025/26 — the most dominant run in the club’s history.
Talent We
Produced
Players who passed through Steadfast FC and went on to make their mark on the world stage.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Born: 8 March 2004, Tamale, GhanaGhana’s most exciting winger. Leicester City’s No. 7. The player who put Steadfast FC on the global football map.
Fatawu joined Steadfast FC at just 15 years old in 2019, scoring 20 goals in 27 appearances. He won the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Best Player award, joined Sporting CP for €1.2M in 2022, and signed permanently for Leicester City at €17M in 2024 — earning Steadfast FC a €7.9M sell-on windfall. In 2025/26 he has 9 goals and 7 assists in the EFL Championship.
Be Part of the
Steadfast Story
Whether as a sponsor, supporter, partner or player — there’s a place for you in the Steadfast FC family. Help us take Northern Ghanaian football to the next level.