Bernard Parker's unique role in TS Galaxy’s Carling Knockout final preparations

bernard-parker-14-december-2023

Galaxy will play their second-ever final and first as a top-flight team on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Parker who will be watching from the VIP box was injured in the first-round game against Mamelodi Sundowns following a horrific tackle by Bongani Zungu.

Despite having been away from the pitch since he talks about the crucial role, he’s played off the pitch.

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“Yeah, for me I would say I don’t feel any type of way that I’m not playing but I actually feel happy that my team is in the final. The reason being, I’ve been part of the process. Two weeks after my operation I went straight back into the club,” Parker said.

“I’ve been there, being around the guys sharing my experience. Giving the best I can as well. Bringing the mental part of football, especially to the young players as well that they get to understand their role and get to understand why they have to be on their toes week in, and week out. You know those things really help especially in the young players.”

At 37, Parker is the second oldest player at The Rockets after the longest-serving player in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Vuyo Mere (39).

In his absence, Galaxy players and the technical team have also been doing his trademark goal celebration and this is something that warms the former Bafana Bafana player’s heart.

“Going into this final, I’m so happy for the guys. I know you have seen on the socials and on the videos where they celebrated doing my celebration after a win and things like that. So, it fulfils me that I am actually giving that 000000.1% to the guys and they do really recognise that.”