How former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker can make history next week

Parker took over as interim manager for the team following the dismissal of Adnan Beganovic on Thursday, even though the Bosnian had guided them to the Nedbank Cup final.

If a new permanent manager is not appointed quickly, Parker will take the team into the final and could become the first individual to claim the Nedbank Cup trophy as both a player and a manager since its modern format began in 2008.

The ex Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana forward knows all about success in finals and holds a unique spot in the history of the Nedbank Cup.

He netted the decisive strike for Chiefs in the 2013 final, beating SuperSport United after extra time. It was an impressive effort, blasting the ball from 25 yards into the net.

Collecting the ball and advancing on goal, he unleashed a low shot into the bottom right corner, wrongfooting Ronwen Williams in the SuperSport net.

Parker continued his career until retiring at TS Galaxy at the close of the 2023/24 campaign, marking his 16th year as a pro.

Across his time in the game, he appeared in 28 Nedbank Cup matches, starting 21, and found the net three times. The other goals were for Chiefs against Lamontville Golden Arrows in 2018 and Chippa United in 2019.

He lined up for Chiefs in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final versus Galaxy, where the then lower division outfit shocked the AmaKhosi with a 1-0 win. So Parker has known both triumph and loss in the final already.

In comments from last month, Parker expressed belief that Galaxy could lift the Nedbank Cup this term and that his background would aid the group.

“TS Galaxy triumphed in that 2019 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. It’s the enchantment of the Nedbank Cup, where upsets are bound to happen,” Parker noted. “For us, it comes down to handling the pressure and steering the match through those key phases.

“Back then, I was on the defeated team, but now as manager, I aim to be on the victorious one, earning that Nedbank Cup medal in a coaching role, something I see as achievable and truly believe in.

“To my knowledge, just Macbeth Mahlangu, our defender, remains from that 2019 lineup. The others are mostly newcomers who have yet to savour victory with TS Galaxy. Our key goal as a team is to recreate that past success.

“Drawing on my past as a player to guide these lads will make a big difference. Plus, it’s vital that the experienced players step up, direct the play, master critical phases, and seize opportunities that lead to a win.”