TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker has offered an honest take on his progress in his new career on the touchline, while outlining key lessons picked up so far.
The former Kaizer Chiefs forward was recently thrust into the TS Galaxy hot seat, although on interim basis, replacing Adnan Beganovic, whom he used to be an assistant to. In just two games in his journey as a head coach of a professional outfit, Parker has yet to taste victory.
A 0-0 Betway Premiership draw with Magesi FC and a fresh 2-1 defeat by Durban City in the Nedbank Cup final highlight Parker’s time as a had coach so far. That appears like a rude start to his journey in the dugout.
The 40-year-old has started on the back foot while entrusted with ending TS Galaxy’s 10-match winless streak in the league. With the Rockets having four games left before they wrap up their PSL campaign, Parker has a huge task at hand to help them climb from position 12 on the table into the top eight.
The four games include clashes with relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants and Chippa United. Galaxy will also host title-contenders Mamelodi Sundowns in what would be a stern test.
‘I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK’: PARKER ON KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM LIFE IN THE DUGOUT
Despite not winning any match so far, the ex-Bafana Bafana man has given an encouraging assessment of his time as a head coach. The current role comes after he kicked off his coaching career with TS Galaxy’s DDC side two years ago, before being elevated to assist Beganovic following Sead Ramovic’s departure.
“I have learnt a lot in a short space of time in terms of how players are different, they think differently. You get to understand, learn and also study your own players’ characters, personalities,” said Parker.
“From there on, work around that so that the players can complement each other on the field and off the field, which I get to see now a lot more. Being on this side of the line, from a coach’s perspective, in terms of the workload and leadership, is to try and manage.
“I believe so far, so good, I’m on the right track because the players are really responding positively with their attitude and professionalism. I hope and pray that the players get to learn fast. By learning fast, is to implement faster as well.
“At this professional level, you can’t teach them how to pass, how to run and kick. It is just to teach them the way of life in football. It’s what we get to understand about making a living for your family and at the same time enjoying.”
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