Fungai Muderere in BULAWAYO
SUPERSPORT United chief scout, Paul Matthews, sneaked into the country to assess Warriors and Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donovan Bernard when his club hosted Dynamos in a league match at Barbourfields on Sunday.
The ‘keeper kept a clean sheet in a game in which the Glamour Boys had an upper hand.
Mathews was in the company of one of the country’s best football agents, Gibson Mahachi.
Mahachi confirmed Supersport United’s interest in signing Bernard.
“Yes, I can confirm that I was with the Supersport United chief scout at Barbourfields Stadium last weekend to watch the game between Chicken Inn and Dynamos,” said Mahachi.
“Matthews had come to see how a few local players play in a real game situation and, obviously, he was also watching Donovan.
“Remember, they once showed interest in signing Donovan a few months ago.
“In fact, they are looking for a goalkeeper ahead of the start of next season in South Africa.
“So, in other words, Matthews was assessing Donovan and it’s still work in progress as they are still to watch the goalkeeper do duty for the Warriors in South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.”
SuperSport United invited Dynamos ‘keeper, Martin Mapisa, for a brief trial stint.
Bernard was the busier of the two ‘keepers on Sunday.
Gamecocks secretary-general, Tavengwa Hara, said:
“A lot of people have always developed a soft spot for our players. We actually don’t know who the South African scout was watching, a lot of scouts have over the years been attracted to our team.
“In that regard, we will always seek to ride on our reputation.”
Coach Joey Antipas sais:
“It’s always good to have your players scouted by international scouts. We are only waiting to hear about any of our players from those who were hunting for them.
“Chicken Inn has always exported players, so it’s nothing new to us as we have a reputation of doing that.”
SuperSport United provide a home to Terrence Dzvukamanja, Washington Arubi and Onismor Bhasera.