dyton mupawaenda
Bruce Chikuni
IN A tale of love, legacy and fulfillment, Donovan Bernard has achieved a remarkable milestone that has left his family beaming with pride.
It all began 23 years ago when Donovan, then just five, received a pair of goalkeeping gloves from his father, Mirirai Bernard.
The late Mirirai also played in the domestic top-flight league for Black Aces.
The poignant moment was captured in a photograph that has become a prized family possession.
Little did Donovan know that this gift would shape his destiny and inspire him to follow in his father’s footsteps.
As Donovan grew older, his passion for football only intensified.
Mirirai died in 2006, when Bernard was just a Grade One pupil at Nyandoro Primary School in Highfield.
He had won the championship with Black Aces in 1992.
Donovan joined the Aces Academy, a developmental side which was being guided by coach Expense Chitukutuku, who was also a good friend to his father.
At first, Donovan wanted to be an infield player but Chitukutuku ordered him to continue his father’s legacy.
These words of encouragement ignited a fire within Donovan, fueling his determination to succeed.
Years of hard work, sweat and tears finally paid off when Donovan received the Golden Glove award at the PSL awards ceremony.
As he walked onto the stage, his mother Juliana Moyo, who was in attendance.
“I’m happy for Donovan, that’s all he ever wanted in his football career and, at his age, he has made me a proud mother.
“The feeling could have been better if his father was in attendance on the night when his son received the Golden Glove.
“But, I know he is a happy man wherever he is today. And I can not thank Donovan enough for fulfilling his father’s greatest wish,” said Moyo.
To some extent, this was more than just a fulfillment of a promise made to his father, but a tribute to his legacy, and a celebration of his own perseverance.
It was also about the sacrifices his family has made, the guidance of his coaches Joey Antipas and Energy Murambadoro, who helped him to become the first ‘keeper to register 20 clean sheets in the domestic top-flight football.
Donovan made his PSL debut with Motor Action, ironically under the guidance of Antipas.
Online Reporter