Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN A tale of love, legacy, and fulfilment, Donovan Bernard, a talented goalkeeper, has achieved a remarkable milestone that has left his family with pride.
It all began 23 years ago when Donovan, then just five years old, 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 cherished family heirloom.
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 student at Nyandoro Primary School in Highfield.
He had won the championship with the Black Aces in the 1992 campaign.
Donovan joined Aces Academy, a club with a developmental side that 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 downplayed that wish and ordered him to continue his father’s legacy.
Those words of encouragement ignited a fire within Donovan, fuelling 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, watched with excitement with only one wish.
“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 cannot thank Donovan enough for fulfilling his father’s greatest wish,” said Moyo.
To some extent, this was more than just a fulfilment 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 had made, the guidance of his coaches Joey Antipas and Energy Murambadoro, who helped him to become the first ever goalie to register 20 clean sheets in the history of domestic top-flight football.
Donovan made his PSL debut with the now-collapsed Motor Action and, ironically, under the guidance of Antipas.
The left-footed ‘keeper had struggled to force his name into the iconic end-of-season calendar since making his debut, despite being recognised as the local best goalie by Norman Mapeza, Antipas, and Kalisto Pasuwa.
He had earned his stripes without playing for Dynamos, Highlanders, and CAPS United, where goalkeepers are immortalised.
