In yet another twist, Zimbabwean goalkeeper Donovan Bernard has made a U-turn on joining Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Kruger United.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper returned to Bulawayo-based Chicken Inn FC, having initially bade farewell to the club three weeks ago.
The experienced goalkeeper returned to Zimbabwe and was part of the Chicken Inn FC squad that played Dynamos FC on Sunday in a league match.
Bernard came to South Africa a fortnight ago but could not start training after it emerged the Chicken inn had not settled the transfer obligations.
DONOVAN BERNARD RETURNS TO CHICKEN INN FC
FARPost understands that Bernard had agreed personal terms with Kruger United. But he was yet to receive his clearance letter from Chicken Inn FC, as they were yet to fully agree with Kruger United on the payment plan for the player’s transfer fee.
In addition, Kruger players are facing significant frustration as the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship season approaches, with many still owed salaries from the last campaign, as reported by this publication. The Mpumalanga-based club is accused of delaying payments, with approximately 80% of the squad reportedly not having received their wages for May, June, and July.
Meanwhile, this is the second time Bernard has had to endure the disappointment of seeing his transfer deal collapse. In 2022, Bernard almost played for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM]. But the deal was unceremoniously dropped at the eleventh hour.
Bernard is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in Zimbabwe, who has starred at both club and national team level. Last season, he accounted for 20 clean sheets in 34 matches and was the Goalkeeper of the 2024 Season.
Bernard has played for a number of Zimbabwean clubs, including Motor Action and How Mine FC. He also played for Ngezi Platinum Stars before joining Chicken Inn FC.
And at some point, he was the trusted goalkeeper for the Warriors of Zimbabwe. He made his national team debut in September 2014. And he last featured for Zimbabwe during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers played in June 2024.
Expectations were high that the experienced goalie will make huge impact for Kruger United in their second Motsepe Foundation Championship season. Last season, they ended the campaign in fifth position after collecting 45 points from 30 matches.
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