adminShingi Mugabe Sports Reporter
LIKE father like son, Donavan Bernard, the Young Warriors’ goalkeeper, is following in the footsteps of his father, Mirirayi, who starred for Black Aces. Donavan, who is employed by How Mine, turned 20 on July 12. “I feel my father inspired me to start playing football when I was still at a young age. I would enjoy watching him play on television and I decided to follow in his footsteps,” said Donovan.
“I started playing when I was four years old and my father used to play with me sometimes when he was home so I began to like goalkeeping than playing on the outfield.
“The Aces Academy is the one that groomed me, that’s where I got most of my training and Motor Action took me first from the Aces Academy after they saw I had talent in 2013 and then in 2014 How Mine took me.”
Donavan’s role model is Iker Casillas, the former Real Madrid and Spain’s World Cup winning skipper, who has now joined Portuguese side, Porto.
“Growing up I watched Casillas playing and I wished I could play just like him, he is my role model and I think he is one of the greatest goalkeepers of the time,” he said.
“I feel my father inspires me the most because playing football is not easy, I think I get the strength to keep moving from my father and football needs someone who is dedicated to what he is doing.
“Football has always been something in my blood, I think inherited that from my father’s side of the family.”
Donavan has set his sights on playing in Europe.
“My dream is to play in Europe; even in the lower leagues, I would be very happy because I would have reached my target.
“If I play in the Champion’s League I would have surpassed my goals. All I want is to play in Europe anywhere in Europe, that’s my dream.
“I am still young and I still have something to prove and be the best of the best.”
Donavan is nursing a shoulder injury.
“I never thought that one day I would end up playing for the national team but I am happy to be here and representing my country,” he said.
Online Reporter