Tim Sukazi addresses Bernard Parker's TS Galaxy departure

TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has addressed the departure of club legend Bernard Parker, stating the decision was professional and the door remains open for his return.

TS Galaxy FC chairman Tim Sukazi has publicly addressed the departure of club legend Bernard Parker, framing it as a professional decision unrelated to the player's personal statements. Sukazi confirmed the club was surprised by Parker's social media announcement but stressed that employers do not interfere in personal affairs.

Sukazi dismissed any link between Parker's exit and his online comments, calling the timing a coincidence. He praised Parker's immense contribution to South African football and referred to him as a legend. The chairman affirmed the TS Galaxy platform remains open for Parker's return, with the club having proposed a new path for him within their youth structures before his departure. Parker was offered a position as reserve league coach alongside Esau Mtsweni, who was promoted to senior team assistant coach and took charge for the recent match against Orlando Pirates.

Club's professional stance

Sukazi stressed that the decision was purely professional and reaffirmed the club's strict boundary between professional duties and private lives. He noted that Parker should resolve any personal challenges and could return to football, whether at Galaxy or elsewhere. The chairman's comments come as the club handles a difficult period on the pitch. TS Galaxy sit 13th in the Premier Soccer League with just six points from eight games, having lost their last three matches. Their most recent result was a 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates on 13 October, leaving them 17 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Parker's future plans

Bernard Parker, the former Bafana Bafana striker, has indicated he will continue pursuing his coaching qualifications abroad while exploring opportunities outside the club. He expressed a desire to further his coaching education on a global stage. His departure follows technical team changes at the Rockets, with Admir Azem linked to a vacant position.

Next challenge for Galaxy

The immediate focus for TS Galaxy shifts to halting their slide and rebuilding momentum. Their next fixture is a key away match against 11th placed Polokwane City on 31 October. With only one win this season and a 5 goal difference, the team urgently needs points. Top scorer V. Letsoalo, with four goals in eight appearances, will be key to their chances. The club aims to move forward from Parker's departure with a professional focus on the task ahead in Polokwane.