Parker opens up about his injury, reveals Chiefs heartache

Bernard Parker has broken his silence, four weeks after the shocking injury he sustained, shedding light on the incident that left the football community in disbelief. 

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The TS Galaxy forward had his leg gruesomely broken in a reckless tackle by Bongani Zungu of Mamelodi Sundowns. 

What added to the astonishment was Zungu’s reaction; he vehemently protested the immediate red card. 

He showed no empathy toward Parker, who was writhing in pain on the field.

Zungu’s lack of sportsmanship sparked widespread debates. 

Despite the criticism, Parker, demonstrating remarkable forgiveness, revealed that he understands Zungu’s intentional actions and has forgiven him for the unfortunate incident.

Parker says Zungu was fueled by emotion having made mistakes that led to the two goals scored by Galaxy in the game. 

Parker is not angry at Zungu

“I think there was ill intent in the Zungu tackle,” Parker told SportsNightAmplified on Metro FM on Thursday. 

“I think it was built up emotions from him and looking at the two goals scored by Galaxy and how he was involved. 

“When the incident happened, it was building up to it. We are all human and things like that happen, I am not angry,” added Parker.

Another issue that had the public up in arms was that Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena didn’t mention the incident in his post match TV interview. 

This was seen as a lack of empathy on his side. But Parker says he did get an apology from Zungu. 

“I got an apology from Zungu via Instagram (DM) and I told him that I have forgiven him,” says the 37-year-old veteran.  

“Sundowns also sent me flowers and a card and Rulani Mokwena also told Mr Petersen that he tried to call me and sent me his regards.”

Parker reveals Chiefs heartache

Parker also revealed his disappointment at how his time at his previous club, Kaizer Chiefs came to an end with unfulfilled promises. 

He says Chiefs had promised him a job inside the club, but when his contract ended, he was ignored. 

“I was told to go on holiday and then come back and tell them (Chiefs) what I want to do,” he says. 

“I came back and told them what I wanted to do, and I never heard anything back from them. 

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“And that’s when I had to make certain decisions because I have a family that I need to look after.”