Bernard Parker: Rookie TS Galaxy coach ‘still paying school fees’ but vows to succeed

TS Galaxy’s new head coach Bernard Parker says the job has come “too early” for him – but insists he has the experience and backing to turn his rookie season in the dugout into a success.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and South Africa (Bafana Bafana) striker has been confirmed as permanent head coach by club chairman Tim Sukazi, after Parker helped the Rockets avoid relegation as caretaker last season.

Sukazi has endorsed the 38-year-old’s leadership and argued that keeping him in charge is the logical step to ensure continuity at the Mpumalanga-based club.

‘It came too early’ – but ‘why not?’

Parker, who only recently transitioned from playing to coaching, admitted he had initial doubts about accepting the top job.

“I felt like it came too early because I feel I still have a lot of school fees to pay in becoming the head coach,” Parker said.

“But then with the type of experience I have and the type of people I have around me, it helps. The same with the chairman; he is giving me the blessing, and I said, ‘Why not?’

“As brave as I am, as confident as I am, I believe that I had to take this opportunity and make sure I make the best of it, and I’m confident I will make the best of it.”

Parker’s candid admission underlines the scale of his shift from dressing room leader to the main figure on the touchline, but also his belief that his playing career at the highest level can accelerate his development as a coach.

Early backing from chairman Sukazi

The former international revealed that Sukazi moved early to secure his services, informing him of the club’s plans even before Parker travelled to the Fifa World Cup on duty with former players.

“The chairman told me before going to the World Cup with the legends; he said to me, ‘When we come back, we will plan.’

“And during that time, we were on the phone every day in terms of the plans, the players, and also what we are looking forward to in everything we want to achieve in the coming season.”

Those discussions, Parker suggested, have allowed him to shape the squad and lay down a clear vision ahead of the new Premier Soccer League campaign.

Rebuilding job after player exits

TS Galaxy have undergone significant changes since securing their top-flight status, with a number of departures and new arrivals leaving Parker with a sizeable rebuilding task.

“Pre-season has been going well. It’s my first preseason as a head coach, and so far so good. It’s not easy at a team like TS Galaxy where you lose so many players and you get to have so many [new] players in,” he said.

“You have to make sure the players get to understand the culture and the philosophy and how we want to gear ourselves up so that we can be ready for the first game of the season.”

Parker’s immediate priority is to embed his ideas and create cohesion among a reshaped squad, while trying to ensure that last season’s relegation scare is not repeated.

From star striker to touchline leader

Parker, best known for his prolific spells at Kaizer Chiefs and his years leading the line for Bafana Bafana, is one of the most decorated South African forwards of his generation.

His appointment continues a growing trend in South African football of former national team players moving quickly into head-coach roles.

With the chairman’s public support, daily planning already under way and a demanding pre-season nearing its conclusion, Parker now faces the test of translating his self-belief and experience into consistent results in his first full campaign in charge.