Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN Inn boss Joey Antipas has mixed feelings about the Donovan Bernard situation, expressing both happiness and disappointment.
Antipas gave Bernard his Premiership debut 12 years ago when he was in charge of Motor Action.
Last season, Bernard became the first goalkeeper in the domestic Premiership to record 20 clean sheets in a campaign.
This attracted interest from several foreign clubs who made efforts to secure Bernard’s signature.
Motsepe Foundation Championship side Kruger FC in South Africa won the race to sign him.
However, Chicken Inn blocked his move as they failed to come to terms with Kruger FC’s offer.
On one hand, this left Antipas disappointed, as he believed Bernard’s time for a foreign breakthrough had come.
On the other hand, the two-time championship-winning coach was happy, knowing he would have a veteran to rely on.
“I really wanted Bernard to make his foreign breakthrough and that has been my wish since 2013. However, it has to happen when all parties involved are satisfied with the deal.
“Chicken Inn have invested a lot in Bernard and they cannot let him go for free.
“I believe the other club involved was not ready to spend much on him.
“On the flip side, I’m happy that we will have Bernard again this season because it’s not easy to find a goalkeeper who can guarantee at least 15 clean sheets every season.
“This means we now have to put a lot of effort into scoring as many goals as possible,” said Antipas.
The Gamecocks have also added Walter Vuwa to their squad.
Vuwa had a limited role during his tenure at Ngezi Platinum, which was attributed to many off-field challenges.
Antipas believes helping the exciting forward to focus on his game will be a light mission.
“Vuwa is probably the best winger in the country but, unfortunately, his growth has been affected by many regrettable decisions.
“I believe our environment will help him realise his potential and what he can achieve in the future if he decides to focus more on his growth.
“I cannot reveal much about what to expect from us this season but we are definitely going to try to finish in a respectable position,” he said.
