Father and Son Bond: Kawadza and Benard’s Journey of Mentorship Across Warriors and Chicken Inn

The relationship between goalkeepers coach Zwanayi Kawadza and goalkeeper Donovan Benard has developed into one of the most consistent mentorship stories in Zimbabwean football, stretching from club football to the national team level.

Kawadza is a highly experienced goalkeepers coach who has worked in Zimbabwean football for many years. He was part of the CAPS United technical team that won the 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, a major milestone in his coaching career. He later continued to build his reputation in local football structures and national team setups.

In 2019, Kawadza also worked with Harare City FC, adding to his experience within Zimbabwe’s top-flight coaching environment.

His career continued to grow, and in 2024, he was part of the Simba Bhora technical team that won the PSL title, further cementing his status as one of the most respected goalkeepers' coaches in the country. In 2025, he was also part of the Scottland FC technical team that went on to win the league title, continuing his remarkable run of success at club level. He also worked with the Zimbabwe national team during FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Rwanda and South Africa.

Donovan Benard’s journey began at Aces Academy (2004–2013) before moving to Motor Action in 2013, followed by How Mine (2014–2017). In 2018, he joined Ngezi Platinum Stars under coach Tonderai Ndiraya, and in 2019 he moved to Chicken Inn FC, where he remains a key goalkeeper.

In 2022, Chicken Inn FC hosted their end-of-season awards, where Donovan Benard was named Player of the Year. In the same year, he was also featured on the Soccer Stars calendar, further highlighting his rise and consistency in Zimbabwean football.

His biggest individual achievement came in 2024, when he finished the PSL season with 20 clean sheets for Chicken Inn, highlighting his growth and consistency.

The mentorship between Kawadza and Benard began in 2023 with the Zimbabwe senior national team under coach Baltemar Brito. Their first assignment together was a friendly match against Botswana, where Kawadza was goalkeepers coach and Benard featured in goal.

Later that same year, they worked together in World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria, where Zimbabwe drew 0-0 and 1-1 respectively, with Benard playing key roles in both matches.

In March 2024, their connection continued at the Four-Nations Tournament in Malawi, where Zimbabwe defeated Zambia on penalties before losing to Kenya in the final.

In June 2024, they again worked together in World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa, strengthening their understanding at international level.

By 2026, the partnership had moved to club level, with Kawadza appointed as goalkeepers coach at Chicken Inn FC, where he now mentors Benard on a daily basis.

Their journey reflects a strong football mentorship bond built over years of working together at both international and domestic levels.

From the CAPS United triumph in 2016, Harare City stint in 2019, Simba Bhora success in 2024, Scottland FC title in 2025, Malawi tournament, and World Cup qualifiers across Africa, to Chicken Inn in 2026, their story shows continuity, trust, and development in Zimbabwean football.

The Kawadza–Benard relationship highlights the importance of mentorship in football — where experience is passed down, careers are shaped, and consistency is built through long-term guidance between coach and player.