Why TTM’s deal with Bernard collapsed

Zimbabwean goalkeeper Donovan Bernard’s anticipated move to Motsepe Foundation Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM] collapsed.

FARPost recently reported that the 27-year-old goalkeeper had verbally agreed on a two-year deal with the Limpopo side. The player travelled to TTM’s base to complete his move after TTM had agreed on a transfer fee with Bulawayo-based Chicken Inn.

However, this publication can reveal that the player and TTM disagreed on personal terms when it was time to put pen to paper. According to a source close to the club, the Limpopo side changed the terms of the contract at the eleventh hour.

The team is reported to have significantly reduced the offer, which didn’t sit well with Bernard.

“They had spoken and agreed on personal terms, but the team changed the salary significantly, and the player was not happy,” the source said.

The goalkeeper has since returned home to his native home Zimbabwe. Former AmaZulu coach Joey Antipas will be happy to welcome back his first-choice goalkeeper as they approach the business end of the season.

With nine games before the curtain comes down on the Zimbabwe League, Antipas’ Gamecocks trail former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum by three points.

The mining outfit beat Chicken Inn two weeks ago, a result that saw them move to 44 points. Bernard missed that particular game and was expected to miss the big one against Dynamos on Saturday afternoon.

However, Bernard is now expected to play an important role as they look to wrest the league title from the Zvishavane side FC Platinum.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo giants Highlanders’ midfielders Nqobizitha Masuku is on trial in the United Arab Emirates.

The Bosso vice-captain is being assessed by Al Rams in the UAE First Division League.

The club said in a statement: “Wishing our Vice Captain, Nqobizitha Masuku, all the best on his trials at Al Rams FC of United Arab of Emirates.”

Masuku recently signed a contract with Highlanders which runs until 2025.

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