Parker reacts after crazy eight-goal thriller filled with costly blunders
TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker believes his side deserved a point after Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 Betway Premiership draw against Siwelele at the Free State Stadium, but admitted costly mistakes denied them all three points.
The entertaining contest had everything – defensive howlers, goalkeeper blunders, a red card, and four goals – as both teams opened their league campaigns in unforgettable fashion. Galaxy gifted Siwelele the lead before halftime when midfielder Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi played a disastrous back-pass that goalkeeper Sipho Maseti failed to deal with, allowing Siphesihle Jeza to score.
“I think it’s a fair result. That’s why it was such an entertaining game because it was end-to-end,” Parker said after the match.
The former Bafana Bafana striker refused to be too critical of his young goalkeeper, saying mistakes are part of a player’s development. “With any youngster, there will be mistakes. The important thing is that he learns from them. As a technical team, we have to encourage him and make sure he doesn’t repeat those mistakes in crucial matches,” he said.
Galaxy fought back through a second-half penalty before veteran Vincent Pule restored Siwelele’s advantage. However, another goalkeeping error gave the visitors a lifeline when Siwelele goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko misjudged a free-kick, allowing Veluyeke Zulu to level the scores at 2-2.
The drama was not over. In stoppage time, Maseti was sent off after handling the ball well outside his penalty area, mistakenly believing old rugby markings indicated the edge of the box.
Despite the chaos, Parker felt his team should have managed key moments better. “We didn’t control the game when we needed to. Our aggression wasn’t at the level we expected, although we created enough chances. If we had cut out a few mistakes, I believe we could have won,” he explained.
Parker added that Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema would probably feel the same about his own side. “I’m sure my good friend Coach Seema will also feel they could have done better. But overall, it was a good way to start the season.”
The 39-year-old, who was appointed