Kaizer Chiefs may have opted not to renew Bernard Parker’s contract, but that doesn’t mean his role at the club is over.
Chiefs stalwart Bernard Parker is set to start working towards his coaching badges, and is expected to one day move into the coaching ranks at Amakhosi.
On Friday, Chiefs confirmed they would not renew Parker’s contract when it expires at the end of June 2022, but according to SABC Sport, he will instead be offered a position within the club’s staff as he holds several qualifications in sports management and marketing.
The 36-year-old Parker is one of the greatest players to have ever laced up his boots for Kaizer Chiefs, having made over 300 appearances and winning several titles along the way, while he is said to have “set himself up to stay involved in the game” by going into coaching when he retires.
“Parker, a bona fide Kaizer Chiefs legend, will leave the club he has served with distinction for 11 years,” a statement read on Friday.
“He joined Chiefs in 2011 from the Eredivisie side, FC Twente and his glittering career saw him play 359 matches for Amakhosi and found the net 62 times.
“His exceptional talent and leadership helped Amakhosi to win four major trophies, including two league titles.
His professionalism, both on and off the field, is an object example to any aspiring young footballer,” another statement read.
“Thank you for your great service and dedication to the Club, ‘Hond’. You remain a true legend.”
Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Arthur Zwane has already recently suggested that if Parker “went into coaching tomorrow” he would be a success.
“I talk to each and every player and Bernard knows he won’t play football forever,” Zwane said.
“He has hinted that he wants to take up coaching and I would advise him to apply for coaching courses. There are opportunities left, right and centre.
“I told him that he can go to Ireland as well. That’s where I got my coaching license and he can also get help from SAFA and I think CAF will now allow the coaches because the situation with Covid is getting better.
“We will try and help Bernard. If he wants to do coaching, we will most definitely help him. We need more people who are influential, people who can lead by example.
“He’s never been a troublesome player, he’s always been disciplined. If he becomes a coach tomorrow, he will be a good leader.”
