Bernard Parker explains TS Galaxy’s struggles after ‘worst game ever’ criticism

Former TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker has defended his handling of the team’s defeat by Kruger United after chairman Tim Sukazi labelled the performance the club’s “worst match ever”.

Parker was seemingly demoted by Sukazi after TS Galaxy lost 1-0 to newly promoted Kruger United in the Mpumalanga Derby and then suffered another 1-0 defeat by Chippa United a week later, before the FIFA international break. The results led to changes within the club’s technical team.

Speaking to SportsCaster Robert Marawa on Wednesday evening, Parker said the red card shown to Veluyeke Zulu shortly after half-time made it difficult for TS Galaxy to impose themselves on the match.

“Coming to being the worst game ever, getting a red card in the beginning of the (second half), and then you cannot play your own game anymore,” Parker said.

Zulu was dismissed in the 50th minute, leaving TS Galaxy to play with 10 men. Kruger United eventually scored the only goal of the match in the 73rd minute.

Parker said his team had to change its approach after the sending-off and believed the decisions made during the game gave them a chance to secure a result.

“It’s normal; it’s football. You cannot play your own game anymore. Now you have to tweak and see how you can still get a result out of this game,” he said.

“I believe I did get the correct decision. It’s just that we missed the last chance we got, and we conceded. So, anyone will feel in some type of way in terms of losing in the Derby.”

Sukazi had described the defeat by Kruger United as TS Galaxy’s “worst match ever” during an interview with Ikwekwezi FM. The chairman also advised Parker to pursue his coaching badges in order to improve his coaching skills.

Parker, a former Bafana Bafana striker, said the team showed a marked improvement in their next match against Chippa United.

“Also, the week after that, we went back to the same stadium, and we prepared well. We played better (against Chippa). We played better,” he said.

“We played our game. We were fully in charge, and the players were fully psyched up. The players were feeling more confident, and that was because of the preparation that was happening during the week.”

He maintained that TS Galaxy were moving in the right direction and that improved results would eventually follow.

Since Parker’s departure, TS Galaxy have played once, losing 3-0 to Orlando Pirates. They are due to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout round of 16 on Tuesday, 27 October.

Parker has also confirmed that he has enrolled for his UEFA coaching badges as of November.