Parker: Overcoming Unjust Criticism by Chiefs Fans
Bernard Parker has expressed his disappointment regarding the unfair treatment he received from Kaizer Chiefs fans towards the end of his career.
Despite his significant contributions to the team, he was criticized for a perceived lack of goals.
The current coach of TS Galaxy’s DStv Diski Challenge remarked that he gave his all at Chiefs—he was the last player to score four goals for the club (against AmaZulu in the 2012/13 season at the Moses Mabhida Stadium), the most recent to win the PSL Golden Shoe for Chiefs in the PSL (2013/14 season), and scored the decisive goal in the Nedbank Cup final against SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium during the 2012/13 season.
“It was unjust,” Parker told Sportswire in Durban while taking part in the Carling Black Label #NoExcuse campaign on Tuesday.
“It was genuinely unfair given my role as an attacker for the club. Although people labeled me a striker, I was more of an attacking player, often playing as a supporting striker, a number 10, or occasionally on the wing.
“Nonetheless, my real strength lay in creating scoring opportunities, scoring goals, and assisting the team alongside my teammates to clinch the league title and various trophies.”
Moreover, Parker is the all-time leading goalscorer for Chiefs in the PSL, with an impressive tally of 61 goals in 364 matches across all competitions, along with 40 assists.
Additionally, after surpassing Siphiwe Tshabalala’s record as Chiefs’ top scorer in the PSL era, Parker was on the brink of breaking Tshabalala’s record for the most appearances in Soweto Derbies—31 matches, during which he scored two goals. Shabba retains the record with 31 appearances in this historic rivalry in South Africa.
“Furthermore, achieving personal milestones over the last two decades is quite remarkable, as not many players remain with Chiefs for such a long duration,” Parker stated. He joined Chiefs before the 2012/13 season and left after the 2021/22 season.
“I departed the club with impressive statistics. However, towards the end of my tenure at Chiefs, I was moved to a deeper midfield role.
“It felt unfair to still carry the burden of goal-scoring duties. When goals became scarce and the team struggled, fans grew frustrated.
“I was one of the players highlighted and scrutinized because of the goal drought. It was painful to reflect on how I was unjustly criticized by supporters in light of the club’s lack of results.
“I consulted with 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 realized I could enhance my career statistics.
“I started prioritizing scoring more, as seen in my assist to Khama Billiat; it felt like a goal to me because I enabled it.
“I made the decision to focus on finding the back of the net more often and ultimately became Chiefs’ all-time goalscorer during a challenging period for the club.
“I take pride in leaving the club with solid statistics. Nonetheless, it felt somewhat unfair and hurtful to face criticism, especially during crucial phases. As senior players, we needed more support, which would have positively impacted the younger players.”
Parker’s impact extends beyond the Chiefs. He is a legend for Bafana Bafana, ranking among the top five all-time goal scorers for the national team with 23 goals in 72 appearances.