Bernard Parker explains his involvement with TS Galaxy senior team
Former Kaizer Chiefs frontman Bernard Parker has explained his involvement with TS Galaxy’s senior team ahead of the new campaign.
Parker was recently appointed the head coach of the Rocket’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side for the upcoming season.
The 38-year-old former Bafana Bafana international, led the Mpumalanga-based outfit from the dugout for their clash against Young Africans on Wednesday afternoon in the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup at Kanyamazane Stadium. The game ended in a 1-0 scoreline in favour of the Tanzanian giants, Yanga SC.
This was after coach Sead Ramovic was set to finalise his to Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca, however, the deal hit a snag as both parties couldn’t agree on personal terms.
BERNARD PARKER CLARIFIES HIS DUO ROLE AT TS GALAXY
Parker has since clarified why he is involved with both Galaxy’s first team and the reserve side. He pointed out that he is involved with the senior team because he has to apply what happens in the first team to the DDC side so that he produces well-oiled products that align with the first team.
“It’s very important for me to be involved with the first team and also be the head coach of DDC,” said Parker
“The reason why is that you have to prepare the players to be ready for the first team. And for that, we have to work together with the first team coaches and get good guidance and confidence from them to build good relationships and work with each other.
“I know that I won’t disappoint them in terms of handing over finished products to the first team. It’s very important that everything we do in the first team, we do with the DDC side. This is to make sure that once a player makes a transition from the reserve team into the first team, he just continues with the club’s system and spark.”
Parker continued: “It is also very important for me to make sure that I learn as much as I can with the first team so that I can make it easier for me to apply what I have gained in the first team to the DDC team.”
NOT THE FIRST TIME BERNARD PARKER SITTING ON THE BENCH FOR GALAXY
Parker further stated that this was not his first time sitting on the bench for TS Galaxy as it has been happening for quite some.
“Well, today was not my first time sitting on the bench with the first team. All other friendly matches I have been sitting on the bench,” he added.
“Also, during my recovery when after I broke my leg I was sitting on the bench. It was all to prepare me for this stage and time to come. It’s good that I have the confidence of the coach and the blessings from the chairman who gave me this opportunity.
“I just want to say thank you TS Galaxy family for having the trust and welcoming me in taking charge of the players who are now in the field of play. It’s a lot that I need to get used to and it’s a road that I’m prepared to enjoy. The good thing is that I get good response and respect from the players.”
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