Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Bernard Parker has been named as the head coach of TS Galaxy’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side.
Chiefs’ record-all time top goalscorer was recently one of six players released by Galaxy as a player including Vuyo Mere, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Lehlohonela Mojela, Hugor Vidal and Vasilije Kolak.
Parker is well-qualified for the job having attained his CAF C license coaching badge in November, 2023 and has set his sights on obtaining his CAF B licence coaching qualification. Mere is reportedly set become Parker’s assistant in the DDC teams’ backroom staff.
38-year-old Parker has thanked the TS Galaxy hierarchy for giving him his first coaching opportunity.
“Thank you for the opportunity Mr chairman Tim Sukazi, the TS Galaxy family and the senior coaching staff for trusting me to take charge as the head coach at DDC. I promise to make the most of it,“ said Parker.
‘Die Hond’ spent 11 years at Kaizer Chiefs between 2011 and 2022. He won the 2013–14 Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot and secured two league championships, the Nedbank Cup, and the MTN 8 with the Soweto giants. Parker parted ways with Kaizer Chiefs in June 2022 after a decade-long tenure, amassing over 350 appearances and netting over 60 goals.
Parker’s professional football journey began with Thanda Royal Zulu in the Premier Soccer League, where he made 70 appearances before a one-year loan stint at Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. In 2009, he joined Eredivisie team FC Twente, where he played for a season and a half before being loaned to Panserraikos in the Greek Super League. During his time in the Eredivisie, Parker won the 2009-10 league title and the 2010 Johan Cruyff Shield.
He made 69 appearances for Bafana Bafana between 2007 and 2015 during which time he scored 23 goals.