Hereford FC can confirm that Justin Donawa has departed the club, in order to return to Bermuda for family reasons.
The 29-year-old wideman arrived at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium at the beginning of January after being released from his contract at Brackley Town, signing on the same day as fellow Bermudian international Keziah Martin from Buxton.
Donawa, a talented triple jumper in his youth, kicked off his football career with Somerset Trojans in his homeland, before moving on to Black Rock FC in the USA.
After a trial at Scottish Premiership giants Aberdeen and spell with MLS outfit Columbus Crew, Donawa signed for National League North side Darlington in the summer of 2019, scoring six goals in 31 league appearances for the Quakers.
His English non-league adventure subsequently took him to Solihull Moors (scoring a hat-trick against Yeovil Town in 2021), Altrincham, Chorley and Brackley, for whom he made 22 outings last term as the Saints clinched the National League title.
Donawa made 14 appearances for the Bulls, scoring in the 5-2 victory over Chester, and Hereford boss Aaron Downes hailed his contributions and achievements.
“I’ve got so much respect and admiration for Justin and the way he’s handled himself,” said Downes. “He’s come over from a small island to fulfil a dream that he set out as a young boy, to play football in England. He achieved that and I respect him for that. I understand myself, coming from a small town in Australia, how hard that is.
“He’s had to bring an end to his career in English football and it’s probably not the timing that he would have chosen, but a family situation has come up.
“So, I want to thank Justin for everything he’s done for me since I’ve been here, but also for the football club, and congratulate him on a seven-year career in England that a lot of people can only dream of. I wish him and his lovely family all the best back in Bermuda. I hope he has a long, successful career in whatever he chooses to do.”
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