Chronicle Editor
Blessing Malinganiza, Harare Bureau
Two months ago, Donovan Bernard celebrated a decade in professional football. He made his debut in the Premier Soccer League on October 2, 2013.
Coincidentally, he celebrated his decade with Chicken Inn, a team that he played against when he made his debut 10 years ago.
The Chicken Inn goal-minder has described his 10 years as a professional footballer as a journey of mixed feelings.
“Looking back at the journey that I have travelled since making my debut in the Premiership on October 2, 2013, my journey is a bag of mixed feelings,” he said.
Donovan recalled the day he made his debut for now defunct Motor Action against Chicken Inn after they had returned from a tour in Switzerland with ACES Academy.
“So we had returned from a tour of Switzerland. We performed well and we joined Motor Action and it was the six of us.
“I remember that a day before I made my Premiership debut, there was this boy who was always complaining about not being picked, so the coach called and asked me the last time that I was on the team sheet and I replied that I was not sure but it was long back.
“So the next morning I received a call from coach Prince Matore, who said to me I was going to play that day. At first it did not make sense because at that time Sekuru Jani (Marlon Jani) was our first choice.
“On the day he said he was tied up, and I was thrown into the fray against Chicken Inn and the match ended nil all. I did not realise how big this was for me until the final whistle,” said Donovan.
The match was the first match for the then-17-year-old as he finally broke into professional football.
Since then Bernard has been playing at the highest level, representing the national team on numerous occasions along the journey.
“Since that day I have been actively involved in professional football and I think the major highlight for me has been representing my country,” said the Chicken Inn goalkeeper.
Since making his debut with Motor Action, Donovan has gone to play for How Mine, Dynamos, and now Chicken Inn where he recently extended his contract.
He believes that his 10-year stay in the top flight has been all about patience and willingness to learn.
“I think to spend 10 years playing at the highest level comes with being patient and willing to learn.
“I remember there were times that I could not command a first-team jersey at How Mine but remained patient and the patience has now paid dividends,” he said.
Online Reporter