TS Galaxy interim coach Bernard Parker has opened up on his working relationship with the club chairman, Tim Sukazi, as the Rockets prepare for the Nedbank Cup final this weekend.
The Mpumalanga club is set to go head-to-head with Durban City FC in the “Cup of Dreams” final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.
The ex-Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs forward, Parker, recently took the coaching reins at TS Galaxy on an interim basis. His appointment followed the departures of head coach Adnan Beganovic and technical adviser Nermin Basic last week.
‘Die Hond’, as he’s affectionately known within the football circles, began his coaching journey with the Rockets in 2024, initially leading the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side.
He transitioned into the senior team setup last season, stepping up after the club parted ways with former technical team member Vuyo Mere.
‘HE’S A GREAT SERVANT OF THE GAME’: BERNARD PARKER
Speaking during the Nedbank Cup press conference in Polokwane on Thursday, Parker expressed his gratitude towards Sukazi for showing faith in his leadership.
“Our chairman, Tim Sukazi, has been a great servant of the game with his vast experience,” Parker told journalists. “Him putting me in this position [TS Galaxy interim coach] is because I feel like he and I have come a long way. I also believe that what you give to the game will be given back to you.
“So far, I’m following the right steps and making the right moves in terms of growth. I served the game as a player and gave so much to it, and as I became a coach, I immediately made an impact in [the Galaxy] DDC [side] and helped promote a few players to the first team as well.”
Parker also touched on the club’s philosophy of player development and marketability, noting his role in the broader vision of the Rockets.
“So, as you know, TS Galaxy is a club that likes to sell. So, immediately when I joined the senior team, I learned a lot while working under the previous coaches. The goal of the game is to keep improving players and performing well in our domestic league,” he added.
As Galaxy chases its second Nedbank Cup title, having won it for the first time in 2019 as a second-tier outfit, all eyes will be on Parker to see if he can guide the Rockets to glory this Saturday night.
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