Football: Solihull Team Signs Justin Donawa
The Solihull Moors football team in England has signed Bermudian footballer Justin Donawa on a contract until May 2022.
The club’s announcement said, “Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of Bermuda international Justin Donawa.
“The 24-year-old attacker signs from Darlington for an undisclosed fee, on a contract until May 2022.
“Donawa has quite the background, having grown up as a cricket player and triple jumper where he won three medals in regional competitions – he also competed at the 2013 World Youth Championships in Athletics.
“However, Donawa found success in football after moving to the United States to attend the Berkshire School and then Dartmouth College. He won three Ivy League championships with the Big Green, appeared during school breaks with Somerset Trojans, and spent time with Black Rock FC.
“He was drafted by Columbus Crew in the third round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft but was not signed by the club.
“Donawa moved to England last summer after impressing during pre-season with Darlington, which bagged him a contract with the Quakers.
“He went on to play 37 times throughout the 2019/20 season, scoring nine goals. This season, Donawa has made a further four appearances and netted twice, both goals coming in the Emirates FA Cup against Tadcaster Albion.
“After representing Bermuda at under-20 level, Donawa has since progressed to accumulate 20 senior caps for his nation, scoring three goals.”
On signing for the Moors, Donawa said: “I’m delighted to be here. I’ve been over in the UK for about a year now, so I’m glad I’ve been able to catch the attention of Solihull.
“I think it’s a club that’s been doing well and will continue to do well. I’m just excited to get going and help this team be on the up.
“From the location, to the coaching staff, to the players and to see everything that’s been invested here – it’s a great project and I want to make an impact in whatever way I can.”
Manager Jimmy Shan said: “Justin’s a player that’s very very quick. If we were to change shape, then he could play as a wide player and I think it was important for us to get somebody who could operate in that territory of the pitch.
“He’s very quick, very direct and I think he’ll cause people problems and defenders nightmares with his pace.”
