SA clubs overtake Dynamos on Bernard

Bruce Chikuni 

Sports Reporter

DYNAMOS are no longer in pole position to land Warriors and Chicken Inn first choice goalie, Donovan Bernard. 

His handlers confirmed to Zimpapers Sports that at least two South Africa’s DStv Premiership clubs have made inquiries about his availability, including Polokwane City and SuperSport United. Bernard’s union with the Gamecocks is expected to run down at the end of this campaign. The 28-year-old was outstanding in the Warriors’ back-to-back 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria which took place in Rwanda. He put out a man-of-the-match performance when Zimbabwe settled for a goalless draw against Rwanda. 

He was also in fine form when the Warriors battled odds to force a 1-1 stalemate against Nigeria last Sunday. “We can just confirm that we have received some inquiries about Bernard from two top clubs in South Africa. 

“They are both keen to have him in this coming off season but we have not reached any agreement and we are still also considering local offers. “He is still a Chicken Inn player as for now and there is also a chance that he will continue with them if they meet our expectations,” said his handlers. FC Platinum are also believed to have joined the hunt for Bernard’s signature. The miners are said to be looking for a permanent replacement for Wallace Magalane, who has been linked with a possible move to Simba Bhora. Magalane has been exchanging the goalposts with skipper, Petros Mhari for the better part of this campaign. 

Bernard hailed Warriors coach, Baltemar Brito for believing in his capacity. 

“It’s something which I will not take for granted, this means a lot to me, I want to thank the coach for this opportunity. 

“It’s every goalkeeper’s dream to guard those goalposts for your country and to have someone who brings the best out of you. It’s a blessing. “This has given me more confidence to keep working hard, we did try our best as a team to get maximum points but we are also grateful with what we managed considering where we are coming from,” said Bernard. Benard said he has not started thinking about his next move. “I have been hearing a lot about my future but to tell you the truth, I’m still a Chicken Inn player. 

“I will be open to talk about anything after the end of the season but as for now, Chicken Inn is my home and if there are any discussions which are underway, I’m sure my handlers know what’s best for me,” he said.