Bernard Parker defends TS Galaxy FC performance after red card and derby loss

Former coach Bernard Parker has defended his team's display in a 1-0 Mpumalanga Derby defeat to Kruger United, arguing a red card and missed chances were decisive as the club sits 13th in the Premier Soccer League.

Bernard Parker has defended TS Galaxy FC's performance in their recent 1-0 Mpumalanga Derby defeat to Kruger United. The former head coach argued that a red card and missed chances were the decisive factors in the loss, which contributed to a difficult run for the club. That run has seen the team pick up just six points from eight games, leaving them 13th in the Premier Soccer League with a record of one win, three draws, and four losses.

TS Galaxy lost that derby 1-0 on September 13, conceding in the 73rd minute after playing with ten men from the 50th minute following Veluyeke Zulu's dismissal. Parker, speaking to broadcaster Robert Marawa, insisted the team was fully in charge and confident after their preparation but that the sending-off prevented them from playing their own game. He described the defeat as the club's worst match ever, a view echoed by club boss Tim Sukazi.

Parker's analysis of the slump

Parker also defended the team's subsequent 1-0 loss to Chippa United a week later. He claimed they played better in that match but again failed to take their chances. The former Kaizer Chiefs striker said the players were more confident and psyched up due to a week of preparation, but the results did not follow. These back-to-back defeats were part of a wider slump that has left TS Galaxy 13th in the Premier Soccer League with just six points from eight games. Their goal difference stands at minus five, having scored seven and conceded twelve this season. This current form shows a team struggling to convert preparation into points, with their recent 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates marking a third consecutive loss. Their recent form over the last three games reads zero wins, zero draws, and three losses, leaving them seventeen points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Since Parker's departure, the technical team has been reshuffled and results have not improved. The team's immediate focus is on halting their losing run in their next fixture, a key away match against 11th-placed Polokwane City on Saturday 31 October. Striker V. Letsoalo, their top scorer this season with four goals in eight appearances, will be central to their hopes of climbing the standings.

Looking forward with UEFA badges

Parker confirmed he has enrolled for his UEFA coaching badges, with studies set to begin in November. The move follows a recommendation from chairman Sukazi for Parker to enhance his skills after being demoted from the head coach role. Despite the recent results, which include a 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates on Tuesday 13 October, Parker insisted TS Galaxy was on the right track and that positive outcomes would come.