In a heart-wrenching revelation, veteran striker Bernard Parker has shared details of his devastating leg break sustained during the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup last month.
TS Galaxy striker Parker had to be rushed to the hospital for medical treatment following a career-ending from Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu when the Rockets defeated Bafana Ba Style 5-4 on penalties in the Carling Knockout Cup last 16.
The tackle had football fanatics going hard on Zungu, citing that he was not remorseful for what he had done.
Parker has since come forward to speak his mind about the ordeal incident for the first time.
BERNARD PARKER ON BONGANI ZUNGU’S TACKLE
“I remember Zungu coming full force and he went over the ball. This is football, it can happen to anyone,” said Parker in an interview on Metro FM.
“When I got to the hospital, I asked them to give me my phone because I wanted to see a video of the tackle on me.
“In my mind, I thought maybe this is the time for me to get a break and focus on my studies.”
BERNARD PARKER BELIEVES THERE WAS ILL INTENT IN ZUNGU’S TACKLE
The 37-year-old goalscorer believes that there was ill intent in Zungu’s tackle on that day.
“I think there was ill intent in the Zungu tackle. I think it was built-up emotions from him and looking at the two goals scored by Galaxy and how he was involved,” he added.
“When the incident happened, it was building up to it. We are all human and things like that happen. I’m not angry. On my side, I have gone on.”
Parker went on to divulge that he received an apology from Zungu via Instagram.
“I got an apology from Zungu via Instagram direct message [DM]. I told him that I have forgiven him,” revealed Parker.
“Sundowns also sent me flowers and a card. Rulani Mokwena also told Mr Petersen that he tried to call me and sent me his regards”
WHAT TIM SUKAZI TOLD PARKER
‘Die Hond’, as he’s popularly known within the football circles, also revealed what Galaxy boss Tim Sukazi told him after the unfortunate incident.
“My chairman at TS Galaxy said for as long as the team exists, I have a place in the club,” said the former Kaizer Chiefs forward.
“I feed off positivity. So, I grab and suck as much positivity as I can. I believe that Die Hond will be back on the field.”
RELATED STORY: Tim Sukazi reveals cost of Bernard Parker’s surgery
