But the 19-year-old How Mine goal-minder went on to give a good account of himself. Admittedly, he did not have much to do against an opponent content to sit back and soak the pressure for much of the game but still there was enough time for him to show his class with two brilliant stops.
His judgement when coming out for crosses was spot on and his catches were clean. His distribution was not bad and overall, it was another opportunity for him to show just why some at Aces Youth Academy are convinced he is an upgrade on their earlier product George Chigova.
And the reality is that although it is Mukuruva who currently has put his nose in front in the fight for the under-23s number one jersey, the battle is far from over and Donovan will be pushing his case all the way.
In fact, when Zimbabwe played three friendlies against Swaziland, Botswana and Morocco as part of the Under-23s preparations, Donovan was the first choice and understandably so. He was already a regular at How Mine while Mukuruva was still trying to find his feet in the shadow of Artwell Mukandi at Dynamos.
When the qualifiers for the All-Africa Games started early in the year however, How Mine refused to release Donovan for both legs against Cameroon and Mukuruva, who had reverted to role as second choice at Dynamos, was available and impressed.
The former Prince Edward High School pupil has since recovered his first choice status at Dynamos and also started when a full strength Zimbabwe beat Malawi 2-1 in Blantyre in an Africa Nations Cup tie.
Mukuruva is an excellent shot stopper who does not show any nerves under the high ball. He will be an asset for Zimbabwe going forward and so will Donovan.
Post published in: Football