sportskeeda
Bernard Parker has expressed his frustration over the unfair treatment he received from Kaizer Chiefs fans towards the end of his career.
Despite his significant contributions to the club, he encountered criticism regarding a perceived lack of goals scored.
The current TS Galaxy DStv Diski Challenge coach noted that he dedicated everything he had to Chiefs—being the last player to score four goals for the club (against AmaZulu in the 2012/13 season at Moses Mabhida Stadium), the most recent player to win the PSL Golden Shoe for Chiefs in the 2013/14 season, and the player who scored the deciding goal in the Nedbank Cup final against SuperSport United at the same stadium during the 2012/13 season, deftly maneuvering past Ronwen Williams.
“It was unjust,” Parker stated to Sportswire in Durban during the Carling Black Label #NoExcuse campaign on Tuesday.
“It was genuinely unfair given my contributions to the club as an attacking player. People classified me as a striker, but I operated more as a supporting striker, often taking on a number 10 role or sometimes playing on the wing.
“Nevertheless, I was significantly more effective at creating scoring opportunities, finding the net, and assisting my teammates to help secure the league title and numerous trophies.”
Moreover, Parker is recognized as the all-time leading goalscorer for Chiefs in the PSL, amassing 61 goals in 364 matches across all competitions, along with 40 assists.
Having surpassed Siphiwe Tshabalala’s record as Chiefs’ all-time scorer in the PSL era, Parker was also close to breaking Tshabalala’s record for most appearances in Soweto Derbies—31 matches, where he scored two goals. Tshabalala currently holds the record for 31 appearances in this historic fixture in South Africa.
“Additionally, achieving personal records over the past two decades is impressive, as few players remain with Chiefs for as long,” Parker reflected. He joined the club prior to the 2012/13 season and left after the 2021/22 season.
“I exited the club with commendable statistics. However, towards the end of my tenure at Chiefs, I was shifted to a deeper midfield role.
“It felt unjust to still carry the burden of goal-scoring responsibilities. When goals became scarce and the team faced challenges, fans grew frustrated.
“I was one of the players targeted and evaluated because of the team’s goal drought. It was painful to think about how I was unfairly judged by supporters due to the club’s performance issues.
“I consulted a life coach who remarked, ‘Do you realize you are just four goals away from becoming Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer?’ That was when I understood I still had the potential to enhance my career statistics.
“From that point, I prioritized being a bit more self-focused, as evidenced by my assist to Khama Billiat; it felt like my own goal because of my involvement.
“I chose to concentrate on scoring more and achieved the milestone of becoming Chiefs’ all-time goalscorer during a challenging period for the club.
“I take pride in leaving the club with robust statistics. However, it felt somewhat unfair and painful to endure criticism, notably during critical times. As senior players, we needed more support, which would have positively influenced the younger players.”
Parker’s influence extends beyond Chiefs. He is a legend for Bafana Bafana, ranking among the top five all-time goal scorers for the national team with 23 goals in 72 appearances.
