TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has explained how the signing of former Kaizer Chiefs captain Bernard Parker will help his youthful squad.
The 36-year-old was one of the experienced signings that were brought in by the club after the signing of Xola Mlambo and Sbusiso Vilakazi.
Parker was a free agent after he was released by the Soweto giants at the end of last season when his contract had expired, ending his eight-year stay at the club.
“Very influential in the changing room and a winner, surely Bernard [Parker] is [one of] the oldest [in the squad]. We are looking at life beyond football. We can’t lose them [legends]. What’s the point? We have to retain them in the system,” Sukazi told the media.
“I don’t want him to be lost. There is a lot of historical knowledge, memory and experience that you stand to lose when the man is sitting at home running a coffee shop or something different when after 20 years, he was a footballer. He knows nothing but football more than anything else.”
“He [Bernard Parker] brings those leadership qualities together with Villa [Sbusiso Vilakazi] and Xola [Mlambo. He’s not into winning anything but brings something that will help the club.”
The chairman further urged other DStv Premiership teams to follow suit and sign football legends than let them retire from playing football.
“I would really like to urge other clubs to do the same. In the end, it will benefit our game. We have started at TS Galaxy.
“I’m sure my other colleagues will look at it that way and try to retain as many of those good quality legends who have served the game with loyalty,” Sukazi added.
The Rockets started the new season on a high note. The club is still unbeaten and are still to concede a goal after five league matches. The Mpumalanga outfit have won two and drawn three.
