GOLDEN GLOVE AWARD IS FOR BERNARD TO LOSE

Bruce Chikuni

Sports Reporter

THE Castle Lager Premiership will come to an end this weekend and the Golden Glove award appears to be on its way to Bulawayo for the second season in a row.

Highlanders veteran ‘keeper Ariel Sibanda was the recipient of this gong last season after recording 19 clean sheets.

Chicken Inn ‘keeper Donovan Bernard has equalled Sibanda’s statistics and has a chance to add one more clean sheet when they visit Herentals this weekend.

Bernard’s closest rival is Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Nelson Chadya who has kept 17 clean sheets.

Ngezi’s final fixture is against CAPS United at Rufaro this weekend.

It means even if Chadya keeps a clean sheet, Bernard will still end the season ahead of him regardless of his performance against the Students.

The Gamecocks’ goalkeepers coach, Energy Murambadoro, appears to have made a big impact.

Chicken Inn were never in contention for the championship this season but Bernard has done well to outshine his rivals.

If it was in any other country, this award would have been already printed and reserved for Bernard as it guaranteed to the goalie who finished the season with the most clean sheets.

Murambadoro, who won the 2003 Soccer Star of the Year gong, has improved Bernard’s all-time best clean sheets record from 15 to 19 and can be extended to 20 on Saturday.

Bernard is hailing Murambadoro for making him a better goalkeeper.

“I have endured a lot this season but I am grateful to my coach Murambadoro for everything he has done to me.

“We still have a game to play and even if the season ends today, I can still look back and say that was my best season.

“I owe it to Murambadoro and our head coach, Joey Antipas ,who have combined their knowledge to inspire my growth.

“A top five finish is within reach and everyone knows what is needed for us to make a strong finish, we just have to keep believing that it is possible,” said Bernard.

The City of Kings is also set to provide the winner of the Golden Boot award.

Highlanders forward Lynoth Chikuhwa has scored 16 times and is three goals ahead of Khama Billiat of Yadah.

Interestingly, Bosso and the Miracle Boys are set for a date on Sunday at Barbourfields.