TS Galaxy forward Bernard Parker has called on PSL clubs to start investing in mental coaches to help his peers whom he says are going through a lot.
Parker has been out with a career-threatening injury he suffered against Mamelodi Sundowns in October this year. He has revealed that he is recovering well and could be back in action around March 2023.
WHY MENTAL COACHES ARE IMPORTANT FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Speaking to the media ahead of Galaxy’s Carling Knockout semi-final clash against AmaZulu FC on Sunday, Parker says for players to give their all they need help to deal with everyday life challenges.
“I think it’s very critical for every professional club to have a mental coach or performance coach. It goes hand in hand or a life coach because all that stuff goes hand in hand,” he said.
BERNARD PARKER ADMITS PLAYERS GO THROUGH A LOT WHICH ALSO AFFECTS PERFORMANCES
“As players we go through, all that the public sees is just us performing on the field of play but the public doesn’t know what sacrifices we have to make, what things we go through. What stress do we get from our families.
“Also if you are not strong mentally we tend to handle that stress with other things and we have seen what has been happening in football. How we handle stress and the next thing your career goes down the drain or you fall out in the professional ranks,” added Parker.
“So I think it’s very important for every professional football team to invest in such because I believe the stronger the mindset, mentality and mental strength the better you get from a player.”
The 37-year-old recently obtained a CAF C coaching licence and is working towards a B Licence.
RELATED STORY: When Bernard Parker is likely to return from injury
