BERNARD HAS EYES ON THE BALL

DJ Zandimaz at her skin care range launch on Saturday. Photo credit: Studio Kingcross Photography

Bruce Chikuni

WARRIORS first-choice ‘keeper, Donovan Bernard, feels he is not under pressure to impress suitors from the South African Premiership.

Bernard is expected to play a leading role in the Warriors’ back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho, in Johannesburg on Friday, and South Africa in Bloemfontein four days later.

SuperSport United are eyeing his services and have sent officials to monitor and engage the star goalkeeper.

Champions Mamelodi Sundowns are said to have advised SuperSport United not to include on-loan goalkeeper, Ricardo Goss, in their plans for next season.

This has pushed Matsatsantsa to identify Bernard as the man.

Apart from SuperSport United, Polokwane City and the newly-promoted Magesi FC are also believed to have entered the race to land the 28-year-old ‘keeper.

And, for Bernard, this means extra work is required to convince these clubs that he is the real deal.

But, he told Zimpapers Sport that this will not give him sleepless nights.

“I’m excited to be in the squad, it’s something I will never take lightly any day because it has been my dream to play for the Warriors since I was a kid.

“I know a lot will be expected from me since I’m being linked with several clubs, but I’m not going to play to impress anyone, if I get the chance to play, my goal is to help the Warriors.

“I’m not thinking about anything besides the Warriors at the moment because that is what got me here and I should be ready to deliver what is expected from me,” said Bernard.

Bernard is jointly leading the Castle Lager Premiership Golden Glove race with Geoffrey Chitsumba of Manica Diamonds.

They have recorded eight clean sheets from a possible 14. Bernard has been finding the Golden Glove award elusive since making his Premiership debut in 2013 with Motor Action.