Jace Donawa On Bermuda Call-Up And More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jace Donawa says he is ready to make his mark on the Bermuda national football team after spending several months training with English fifth-tier club Altrincham.
The 18-year-old has earned his first senior call-up for Bermuda’s Concacaf World Cup qualifying final round matches – at home to Curaçao tomorrow [November 13] and away to Trinidad and Tobago next Tuesday.
Coach Michael Findlay’s side have already been eliminated from contention, sitting bottom of group B.
“I wasn’t expecting the call-up,” Donawa told Bernews. “I was so excited, and my family was so excited.
“I’ve always wanted to be part of the national team squad, and I just want to show myself in a good light and take my opportunity.
“Unfortunately, we can’t qualify but can do our best to disrupt the other teams.”
Donawa said training with Altrincham, who play in the Enterprise National League and once featured his brother Justin, a Bermuda international, has accelerated his development.
“I’ve been trying to stay fit and as sharp as I can,” said Donawa, who will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in January.
“I don’t have international clearance to play games for Altrincham. My brother contacted the coaches, told them about my situation, and asked if I could train with them.
“It’s a professional environment and a different experience. It was a shock at first, but I’ve got used to it – going in every day and learning.”
A former Somerset Trojans youth player, Donawa helped the Bermuda under-23 side win gold at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland, last summer.
His standout moment came in the semi-final against Jersey, when he scored a superb 120th-minute winner to seal a 3-2 victory.
“That was my first time playing in the national team programme,” said Donawa, who lives with his brother in England.
“I wanted to prove to everyone why I should have been in the programme the whole time.
“It was a great moment for me and the whole team. It’s given me confidence to push on.”
