TS Galaxy DDC coach Bernard Parker has revealed why he’s not missing being on the field despite having retired a few months ago and swiftly transitioned into a coaching role.
It’s not often that an opportunity to coach is bestowed upon newly returned retired players. Parker was granted one when he called it a day at the end of the last season.
He is assisted by Vuyo Mere, who also hanged his boots in June in the DDC side of Galaxy. They have guided the team in six matches so far, securing one win, four draws, and one defeat.
Parker says he is not missing being in action as he had already come to terms with his decision to retire from professional football in June.
The 38-year-old began his coaching badges while still playing and was actively involved in training and match preparation with Sead Ramovic and Galaxy’s technical team.
He also believes that his active involvement in training leaves him with no time to reminisce about his playing days.
PARKER SAYS HE ACCEPTED RETIREMENT LONG TIME AGO
“Not at all; the reason why I don’t miss it that much is because I’m involved in training,” said Parker in an exclusive interview with FARPost.
“We train in the morning; our physical trainer is only with us when it’s match day. I’m involved in terms of warming up the boys, coming up with ideas on how to strengthen them, different tactics, injury prevention, exercises, and where to improve on certain things.
“So, I’m demonstrating physically and involved in that. And then, when it comes to playing rondos, I play with them in rondos.
“And when it comes to possession, I demonstrate. In the main session, I then give tactics in terms of how we want to approach the game. So, I don’t miss playing that much because I had long accepted that I’m no longer a player; I’m a coach.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs striker disclosed that he was prepared to transition from playing to coaching a year ago.
Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi requested that he dedicate one more season to the team before assuming the position of head coach in the DDC.
‘I WAS ACTUALLY READY THE YEAR BEFORE’
“I was ready; I was actually ready the year before because I was already on CAF C in terms of my coaching qualifications,” added Parker.
“So, I was already preparing myself for this opportunity. Last year, when the chairman called me into the office to exercise the one-year option, I said I’m ready to give back to the club if you don’t see me in any playing perspective.
“He said, ‘No Bernard, give me one more year. Here at TS Galaxy, we look after our people, and we do empower people.
“I played, and my injury came. While I was doing rehab, towards April or so, the chairman said, ‘we understand what your wishes are as you’ve been working closely to the coach. Here’s an opportunity for you’.
“When he presented it, I immediately responded, ‘Yes, yes, yes’. I grabbed the opportunity by both hands. That was before the season ended.”
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