Share

Bernard Parker reveals secret behind Chiefs' title-winning squad

accreditation
Bernard Parker of Chiefs celebrates his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on April 22, 2015 in Soweto, South Africa.
Bernard Parker of Chiefs celebrates his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on April 22, 2015 in Soweto, South Africa.
Duif du Toit/Gallo Images

Bernard Parker was part of the last Chiefs team to lift silverware and the 36-year-old has provided some insight into what made Baxter's record-breaking team special.

Chiefs bulldozed their way to a premiership title in 2015, wrapping up the Absa Premierships without a loss at home, 17 clean sheets and three games to spare in a record breaking season.

"I think also personnel," Parker told Diski Talk With Luyolo when asked what set that team a cut above the rest.

"Football is eleven men on the field of play, then the subs and the guys who don’t make match the matchday squad. On the day unfortunately, only eleven can play and these eleven men have to complement each other. With the style of play, with combinations.

READ ‘It was like watching 10-year-olds' - Jabu Pule slams Soweto derby

The star-studded squad included Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Tefu Mashamaite, Siphiwe Tshabalala, George Lebese among others.

"We had a strong squad where we could also complement each other. All the guys mentioned were Bafana players, there were national team players," added Parker.

"On one occasion when the Bafana squad was announced, we had about nine players from Chiefs in the Bafana squad. I think it was the most from any single other club.

PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 09: Kaizer Chie
Kaizer Chiefs celebrates with the trophy during the Absa Premiership match between Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on May 09, 2015 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

"Because of that personnel, I think we had a hierarchy where we knew, okay I compete with you, I keep you on your toes and you keep me on my toes.

"We had built such a culture that that I knew that okay, If George Maluleka is playing ten [attacking midfielder role] and I’m on the bench, I would be ready [to come on] if anything happens – if he gets tired.

"Or even if he completes the match, I know that next week I would get the Nedbank Cup spot to play. We were positive in that mid frame and the atmosphere was so good among each other."

"So, training would be intense, giving each other good competition because we kept each other on our toes and then when it came to the match, it was just a formality. It was normal procedure because what we do in training plays out in the game."

"The way that that team had been assembled by the management and coaching staff was actually brilliant."

Since then, Chiefs the closest Amakhosi have come to silverware was 2021's CAF Champions League run than went all the way up to the final, falling against Pitso Mosimane's Al Ahly.

Meanwhile, Parker has joined TS Galaxy at the start of the season after reaching the end of his contract with the Glamour Boys.

You must be SIGNED IN to post and read comments.

Click here to register: https://www.snl24.com/auth/signin

Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS
For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.
Subscribe to SNL24 PLUS
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()