‘Negative comments bounce off me,’ says Chiefs’ Parker

Bernard Parker is one of the senior players at Kaizer Chiefs who have found themselves constantly criticised, but it doesn’t bother him at all. What matters to him is giving his best in respect of the club’s badge.

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At 35, some supporters feel Amakhosi have squeezed all the good they can get out of him, but coach Gavin Hunt has fought for him to be retained and his agent is currently in negotiations with the Naturena side regarding a contract renewal.

“I would love to finish my career at this club, the club is my family,” said Parker in an interview with SAfm this week. “I’d love to
stay here but my manager is handling things in terms of the negotiations. I see myself with Kaizer Chiefs forever.”

When asked if the constant, and sometimes harsh criticism bothers him, Parker said: “Not at all, I am a top professional and a very private person, negative things bounce off me. Every coach that has come to the club since I joined has appreciated my value and input into the team.

“I love his team and whatever happens outside doesn’t affect me, whatever happens inside is what matters to me.

“They (fans) are used to Bernard Parker the striker, and when I was moved to the midfield or even to the left back position, when all my career I have been a striker, I had to adjust. My role has evolved in terms of getting involved and linking up play.”

Parker was on the score sheet for Amakhosi recently when they beat Wydad Athletic 1-0 in an important Caf Champions League fixture, breaking a dry spell of over two years.

“And now that I’ve scored a goal last week, I have to find the balance in terms of how I make my runs from the midfield into the box. It (the goal) has picked up my game a little bit but I have to remain professional as I have always been. I’ve always been the first one at training, and last one to leave.”

Parker will be among the players expected to take charge of the game when Chiefs play Baroka FC in a DStv Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Bakgaga captain, Vusi Sibiya said they are raring to go, and want nothing but a win from this game as they aim to finish in the top eight.

“The spirit is okay, everyone is looking forward to the game. We played a draw in the last game against Celtic and that made it two draws in a row, now we have to make the next one a win, especially against Kaizer Chiefs because they are ahead of us, and if we win, we will go above them,” said Sibiya.

“They are obviously also desperate like us. We both want to get into the Top 8, so we will have to fight for it.”