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Bruce Chikuni
VETERAN sportscaster, Charles ‘CNN’ Mabika, feels Chicken Inn ‘keeper Donovan Bernard deserves praise for becoming the first local goal-minder to register 20 clean sheets in the Castle Lager Premiership campaign.
The 28-year-old ‘keeper silenced his critics by setting a new all-time record for himself.
Big names like Brenna Msiska, Gift Muzadzi, Tapuwa Kapini, Energy Murambadoro, Edmore Sibanda, the late George Chigova to mention just a few, had all failed to hit 20 clean sheets in a season.
Interestingly, Bernard missed the Gamecocks’ three fixtures due to injuries, something which could have extended his impressive statistics.
“I think it’s quite a magnificent feat for Bernard to achieve this milestone. People might say there are more games now because teams are playing a total of 34 games but still it does not take away his excellent work.
“If you go back, there were 12 teams and teams would play a total of 22 games and Japhet Mparutsa managed to keep 15 clean sheets.
“You then turn the pages and look at what exceptional goalkeepers in the 80’, 90’ and the turn of millennium where we have witnessed local great keepers.
“Yes, Bernard might have lost his spot as the Warriors number one goalkeeper, but you can not take away his talent and the truth is Washington Arubi, who is equally good, knows Bernard can reclaim his spot if given a chance anytime,” said Mabika.
CAPS United legend Msiska said:
“Bernard is just good and you can look at his statistics. He has achieved what most of us failed to get at our prime.
“You can not take away his gift of paying attention to detail, ball distribution and excellent saves.
“I’m privileged to have worked with his late father Mirirai Bernard and Murambadoro, who is also his coach. It cheers me up seeing him getting closer to his full potential.
“He has a lion’s heart, with all the criticism, he has shown everyone that he is pressure resistant and you can only be proud of him,” said Msiska.
Online Reporter