sportskeeda
Bernard Parker has recognized that his transition from player to coach has come as a surprise not only to others but to himself as well, as he now takes on the role of coach for TS Galaxy in the DStv Diski Challenge reserve league.
The former Kaizer Chiefs striker and captain was appointed by Galaxy during the off-season after deciding to retire from playing, and the Rockets currently find themselves in fifth place on the DStv Diski Challenge standings, accumulating 23 points from 12 matches.
“I have surprised many at Galaxy,” Parker commented.
Although his time at Galaxy has started positively, Parker took a moment to express his gratitude to chairman Tim Sukazi for presenting him this opportunity as an emerging coach.
“Firstly, I want to thank the chairman for believing in my potential. After Coach Sead Ramovic (the former Galaxy coach) left, he saw the capability in me to make a significant impact within his framework,” Parker mentioned.
“So far, I feel that things are going well, and as long as we keep winning while the teams above us also do well, it presents an interesting challenge for me to push harder as a coach.”
Parker retired alongside Vuyo Mere last season; the latter initially shared coaching responsibilities at Galaxy’s DDC team before being elevated to assistant coach alongside Adnan Beganovic. Together, they have cultivated a winning mindset among the younger players.
“The support I’ve received from coach Vuyo Mere has been tremendous. This enables us to motivate ourselves and instill the belief in young players that anything is possible,” Parker added.
“With commitment and the core values we emphasize every day, we strongly believe that realizing one’s dreams is achievable, and we are currently on the right track.”
“I couldn’t ask for more from life than the support I’ve been given to help me reach my full potential.”
Parker, who is the all-time leading goal scorer for Chiefs in the PSL era, admits that the title of ‘coach’ still feels new and somewhat surreal.
“It hasn’t fully registered yet that I’m a coach,” he confessed.
“Sometimes, when people call me coach, I don’t immediately respond because it hasn’t clicked, but when I’m on the field with the youth, it does resonate, and I understand that my responsibilities as a coach involve nurturing their talent and helping them pursue their goals.”
“Occasionally, I take part in training sessions, and what can I say? ‘Lisegazini’ (football runs in the blood). It’s starting to feel more familiar.”
As Parker continues to develop in his coaching position, a nostalgic encounter awaits him on January 11, 2015, when Galaxy goes head-to-head against his former club, Kaizer Chiefs.
