Bernard Parker has shared his dissatisfaction over the unjust treatment he encountered from Kaizer Chiefs fans toward the conclusion of his career.
Regardless of his considerable contributions to the team, he faced criticism for a perceived deficiency in goals.
The current coach of TS Galaxy’s DStv Diski Challenge noted that he gave his best for Chiefs—he was the last player to net four goals for the club (against AmaZulu in the 2012/13 season at Moses Mabhida Stadium), the latest to secure the PSL Golden Shoe for Chiefs in the PSL (2013/14 season), and scored the crucial goal in the Nedbank Cup final against SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium during the 2012/13 season.
“It was unjust,” Parker revealed to Sportswire in Durban while participating in the Carling Black Label #NoExcuse campaign on Tuesday.
“It was genuinely unfair considering my role as an attacker for the club. Although people referred to me as a striker, I predominantly operated as an attacking player, often featuring as a supporting striker, a number 10, or sometimes on the wing.
“Nonetheless, my true strength was in generating scoring chances, finding the net, and supporting my teammates to secure league titles and various trophies.”
Furthermore, Parker holds the record as the all-time leading goalscorer for Chiefs in the PSL, boasting an impressive 61 goals in 364 matches across all competitions, alongside 40 assists.
After surpassing Siphiwe Tshabalala’s record as Chiefs’ top scorer in the PSL era, Parker was on the verge of breaking Tshabalala’s record for the most appearances in Soweto Derbies—31 matches, in which he scored two goals. Shabba still holds the record with 31 appearances in this historic rivalry in South Africa.
“Achieving personal milestones over the last two decades is quite exceptional, as few players stay with Chiefs for such an extended period,” Parker remarked. He joined Chiefs prior to the 2012/13 season and departed after the 2021/22 season.
“I left the club with impressive statistics. However, towards the end of my stint at Chiefs, I was shifted to a deeper midfield role.
“It felt unfair to still bear the responsibility of goal-scoring. As goals became harder to come by and the team faced struggles, frustrations among fans grew.
“I was one of the players singled out and scrutinized due to the goal drought. It was disheartening to think about how I was unfairly criticized by supporters, considering the club’s performance issues.
“I consulted a life coach who pointed out, ‘Are you aware you are only four goals away from becoming Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer?’ That was when I recognized I had the opportunity to improve my career statistics.
“I started placing more emphasis on scoring, as demonstrated in my assist to Khama Billiat; it felt like a goal to me because I contributed to it.
“I made the choice to concentrate on finding the net, ultimately becoming Chiefs’ all-time goalscorer during a challenging period for the club.
“I take pride in leaving the club with strong statistics. However, facing criticism during critical times felt somewhat unfair and hurtful. As senior players, we required more support, which would have had a positive impact on the younger players.”
Parker’s influence stretches beyond the Chiefs. He is a Bafana Bafana legend, ranking among the top five all-time goal scorers for the national team with 23 goals in 72 appearances.
