Former TS Galaxy head coach Bernard Parker has broken his silence following his departure from the Betway Premiership club, responding to criticism surrounding his team’s performance before his dismissal.

Parker’s exit followed consecutive 1-0 defeats against Kruger United in the Mpumalanga Derby and Chippa United, results that prompted club chairman Tim Sukazi to make changes to the technical team.

Sukazi reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with Galaxy’s performance against Kruger United, describing the match as “the worst match ever” during an interview with Ikwekwezi FM. He also advised Parker to obtain his coaching qualifications, adding to the attention surrounding the coach’s departure.

However, Parker has now offered his perspective on the controversial defeat, explaining the circumstances that affected his team’s performance during the match.

Speaking on Robert Marawa’s show, Parker addressed the criticism directed at his team’s display against Kruger United.

The former Bafana Bafana striker pointed to the dismissal of Veluyeke Zulu during the second half, arguing that the red card significantly affected his team’s ability to execute its game plan.

“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. It’s normal, it’s football. I believe I did get the decisions right. It’s just that we missed the last chance and we conceded,” Parker said.

TS Galaxy were reduced to 10 men after Zulu received a red card in the 50th minute, forcing the team to play for more than 40 minutes with one fewer player.

The numerical disadvantage proved costly when Kruger United scored in the 73rd minute to secure a 1-0 victory.

Parker’s explanation suggests that he believes the circumstances of the match played a significant role in the result, while also acknowledging that his side failed to take its opportunity and subsequently conceded.

Before Parker’s departure, Sukazi confirmed to SABC Sport that the coach had been offered a different role within the club.

According to the reported details, Parker was presented with an opportunity to coach TS Galaxy’s reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), a position that would have seen him move away from the senior team.

The development came as the club restructured its technical setup, with Esau Mtsweni promoted to the position of senior team assistant coach.

Parker did not accept the reserve-team coaching position and subsequently left the club.

The proposed change highlighted the club’s dissatisfaction with the team’s recent results and its decision to consider a different arrangement within the technical department.

Meanwhile, TS Galaxy are reportedly moving closer to appointing a replacement for Parker.

The club is said to be finalising visa arrangements for a European coach who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, a qualification associated with coaching at the highest levels of professional football.

The appointment would represent another significant development in Galaxy’s efforts to reshape their technical team following Parker’s departure.

The club will now be looking for a coach capable of improving results and helping the team achieve its objectives in the Betway Premiership.

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