TS Galaxy are edging closer to welcoming incoming coach Admir Adzem following Bernard Parker’s departure from the Betway Premiership club.
Parker was absent from the bench during the Rockets’ 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates, with DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] coach Esau Mtsweni in charge.
FARPost reported during the recently concluded FIFA international break that Parker had been asked to step down as head coach of the Tim Sukazi-owned club.
Initial reports suggested the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana striker would remain as an assistant coach. However, his release means he will no longer take up the supporting role initially anticipated.
ADMIR ADZEM AWAITS VISA APPROVAL
With Parker out, Galaxy are working towards bringing Adzem to South Africa to take charge of the Mpumalanga outfit. iDiski Times first reported that the club was in advanced talks with the Bosnian coach, with final paperwork and documentation outstanding. The 53-year-old is awaiting his visa before travelling to South Africa.
Adzem’s arrival remains dependent on the approval, but Galaxy will be keen to have him in place ahead of their next league fixture against Polokwane City FC on 31 October.
His arrival would help settle the technical team following uncertainty over the head coaching position, with Mtsweni currently holding the reins.
Asked about Parker’s situation during the post-match presser after the Pirates game, Mtsweni offered little detail. “I don’t know anything [about Parker’s exit],” said the Galaxy interim coach.
The coaching changes come amid a difficult start to the season for the Rockets. Galaxy recorded one win, three draws and three defeats in seven league matches under Parker. The midweek defeat to Pirates left them with one victory, three draws and four losses from eight matches, adding urgency to the club’s efforts to get Adzem on board.
WHO IS INCOMING TS GALAXY COACH ADMIR ADZEM?
Adzem brings senior coaching and youth development experience, having worked extensively at Bosnian club FK Zeljeznicar Sarajevo. His standout senior achievement came during the 2017/18 season, when he guided Zeljeznicar to the Bosnian Cup title and a second-place finish in the league.
The UEFA Pro Licence holder returned for a third stint in charge of Zeljeznicar in June 2025. That tenure produced seven wins, six draws and seven defeats in 20 matches across all competitions before his departure in December.
Beyond his first-team work, he has a substantial background in developing young players. Zeljeznicar credits him with two junior league titles, while he also previously served on the coaching staff of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s under-17 national team.
He worked in Al Wasl’s youth structures in the United Arab Emirates before taking senior coaching roles at Gorazde, GOSK Gabela and Jedinstvo Bihac. A former full-back, Adzem also earned 14 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina during his playing career.
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