TS Galaxy selection crisis leaves Bernard Parker short of options

Bernard Parker is facing a selection crisis at TS Galaxy after a FIFA registration ban prevented the club’s new signings from featuring at the start of the season.

Galaxy are still without a win from their opening two league matches. They drew 2-2 away to Siwelele FC before surrendering a lead in a midweek defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.

The absence of the players announced by the club almost a month ago has severely restricted Parker’s choices and forced him to make changes to his team’s established positions.

Sifiso Ngobeni, Zuko Gxabusa, Edson Khumalo, Camagu Mdevulana, Mpho Maoke, Anslin William, Simthandile Sishi, Bongani van den Heede, Lennol Mathebula, Azola Jakalashe, Thabelo Tshikweta, Katekane Mhlongo, Nhlakanipho Ngwenya and Siphesihle Tati have all been unavailable so far.

Their lack of eligibility is the result of a FIFA registration ban that has been in force since 27 February 2026. The restriction will remain until it is lifted, with TS Galaxy required to comply with orders issued by world football’s governing body.

The temporary prohibition on registering new players has been linked to a regulatory breach involving the FIFA Clearing House.

As of Thursday, the ban remained active, leaving Parker to work with a limited squad. The former South Africa international also referred to the lack of options on his bench after the restrictions contributed to Galaxy’s failure to hold on to their lead against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.

Galaxy will host Golden Arrows in their third match of the season on Sunday at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, with Parker again expected to manage a squad affected by the registration issue.

The situation echoes the difficulties faced by his predecessor, Adnan Beganovic, at the beginning of last season. Beganovic also started the campaign without a number of newly recruited players because of transfer-ban problems.

That group included Veluyeke Zulu, Sedwyn George, Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, Anslin William, Mzwandile Dlamini, Siyabonga Nguessan and Onke Moletshe.

Parker has therefore begun his tenure with many of the club’s announced signings unable to contribute, leaving him dependent on the players already available and requiring him to adjust positions to cover the gaps in his squad.