From FC Twente To The Rockets: How A 17-Year Friendship Put Parker In The Hot Seat

TS Galaxy interim coach Bernard Parker says it should come as no surprise that chairman Tim Sukazi has entrusted him with leading the club, even if only on a temporary basis, ahead of this weekend’s Nedbank Cup final.

Parker explained that his relationship with Sukazi dates back to his time at FC Twente in the Netherlands, where he won the league title in the 2009/10 season under Steve McClaren.

During that period, Sukazi brought Erick Mathoho to the club for a trial, and the two formed a friendship.

He added that Sukazi did not hesitate to bring him on board after his departure from Kaizer Chiefs.

Parker was appointed interim coach following the dismissal of Adnan Beganovic just days before the Nedbank Cup final.

Although Galaxy have reached the final, they have won only one league match since the PSL resumed after the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Parker’s first game in charge will be the Nedbank Cup final against Durban City at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

“The trust I have from the chairman goes way back. He came to FC Twente in Holland when he brought a young Erick Mathoho for a trial,” said Parker.

“That’s where our friendship started. When I approached him after leaving Chiefs to come and represent the club, he welcomed me.

“From there, I gave my all to the club in terms of experience, professionalism and my presence in the dressing room, because many players want to learn from me.

“From a playing point of view, I think the chairman saw the impact I had at the club. That’s why, when I retired, he asked me to take over as head coach of the DStv Diski Challenge team.

“That shows the trust and belief he has in me. Even before I could finish with the DDC, he promoted me to the first team. I believe I am contributing immensely, especially in developing young players.

“When he told me he sees me taking over, it didn’t surprise me. I told him, ‘Mr Chairman, we can do this together—we’ve come a long way. I’m honoured and privileged to be at this club.

“It is now up to us to push the club to greater heights.”

Parker will now be aiming to become the first person to win the Ke Yona Cup as both a player and a coach under its current sponsor, Nedbank.

He previously won the Nedbank Cup as a player in the 2012/13 season, scoring the winning goal as Kaizer Chiefs defeated SuperSport United in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

However, he also experienced heartbreak in 2019, when TS Galaxy—then a lower-division side—stunned Chiefs in the final at the same venue in Durban.