Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker has been adjusting well to his new role on the sidelines, enjoying a solid debut season as TS Galaxy’s assistant coach to the senior team and head coach of the DStv Diski Challenge side.

Parker guided his Diski team to a seventh-place finish while watching his former club, Chiefs, lift the Diski Challenge trophy following a strong campaign. While Amakhosi enjoyed success at the youth level, their senior side continued to face challenges.

Tough outing for Chiefs despite trophy success

Chiefs endured yet another difficult season in the Betway Premiership, finishing ninth on the table and missing out on a top-eight spot for the second consecutive year.

Despite capturing the much-needed Nedbank Cup and ending a near ten-year wait for silverware, the 2024/25 season was still far from ideal for the Phefeni Glamour Boys, as their league form once again fell short of expectations.

Under Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was in his first season in charge, the Soweto giants lifted the Nedbank Cup. Parker believes that victory could serve as a stepping stone to future success in the upcoming season.

“The club had not won a trophy in close to ten years, and breaking that barrier would have been a relief,” Parker told SportsBoom.co.za.

“Their trophy win can build a lot of confidence because most of the players weren’t free; they were under so much pressure and couldn’t express themselves freely like they used to before.”

“Not being in the top eight was a major issue, and it’s something they won’t want to experience again. They will definitely aim to improve next season.”

“With the coach now having some knowledge about the league, his players, and opponents, he will be better prepared next season. It’s up to him to use their recent success as momentum and continue pushing in the right direction.”

Lack of goalmouth action

During his playing days, Parker scored 72 goals and provided 41 assists over 387 league matches. While goals were hard to come by even during his era, South African football continues to face similar issues in front of goal today.

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed their eighth consecutive league title and 17th overall, once again showing their dominance by placing three players among the league’s top scorers.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa claimed the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot with 16 goals, replacing Tshegofatso Mabasa. Iqraam Rayners finished close behind with 14 goals, while Arthur Sales managed eight, further highlighting the persistent struggle for goals across the league.

Parker believes the problem isn’t a lack of chances, but rather the ability to convert them consistently.

“I believe the quality needs to improve because we do create chances,” Parker explained.

“Watching football every week, we see opportunities, but the technique used to finish is not always correct. The positive part is that the players have the attitude and willingness to get into good positions.”

“Our early development is crucial, and that’s where coaches need to teach young talent the right fundamentals early in their careers to improve that department.”

“For a striker, it’s about applying the correct technique and being decisive in key moments—and that’s where we’ve fallen short.”

“Sundowns create so many chances because of the quality they have, and that’s why a player like Rayners has the numbers he does—he’s clinical.”

Successful first season on the touchline

Having transitioned from his playing career, Parker completed his first full season as TS Galaxy’s assistant coach under Bosnian tactician Sead Ramovic, who eventually stepped down following a poor run of results.

His fellow countryman, Adnan Beganovic, took over and led the Rockets to a fifth-place finish despite a difficult start to the season.

Galaxy went on an impressive 13-match unbeaten run before suffering their first loss under Beganovic, falling 2-1 to Durban City in the Nedbank Cup round of 16.

Reflecting on the season, Parker credited Beganovic for bringing renewed energy to the squad.

“It was challenging for Coach Sead to find the right balance after losing some key players in the off-season.”

“When the league started, we also had a break that disrupted our momentum in building balance and combinations.”

“Although results didn’t go our way, the mindset and attitude were correct. We just couldn’t secure the results we felt we deserved, which led to some frustration, and Coach Sead felt he could not continue.”

“Beganovic brought a spark into the team because we felt everything else was in place; it was just about getting the results. After that, we went on a long unbeaten run and finished the season in a respectable position.”