Parker: last loss helped Chiefs
CHIEFS STAR: NOW I REALLY WANT TO SCORE AT USUTHU
Kaizer Chiefs have shown some character and aggression in their displays since the season started and the team’s utility man, Bernard Parker believes the recent defeat against Polokwane City – their first this season – was an eye-opener for the side.
Chiefs gave another gallant effort against City but were sucker-punched by an early goal from which they could not come back.
“It’s a good thing we had that test and the defeat to Polokwane was a test of character,” Parker told the club’s website. “We have shown character in two of our games where we came back from behind and won,” he added.
Parker said they need to maintain consistency in both performance and results to ensure they are abreast of the leaders in the Absa Premiership at all times. They next meet AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi tomorrow afternoon. Usuthu will be unveiling their new coach, with Jozef Vukusic now in charge of the Durban side.
“We will go into this match with same level of energy, aggression and spirit that we have gone into in all our games, knowing how important these three points are in keeping us at the top.
The 33-year-old Parker has been one of the hardest workers in Ernst Middendorp’s side as the striker has been converted into a winger and in the last two games finished as a leftback. He doesn’t seem to mind as he always puts the team first.
“You want to make the most passes, the most touches in matches. I saw my stats for the last four games, and it was good to see my work-rate was satisfactory. It’s a confidence-booster for me to see I am on the right path and that I can be important in the team’s success.
“In terms of performance, I need to remain consistent. To add to this is for me to get a goal which I definitely want,” he said. Parker has a good scoring history against AmaZulu and it could be a chance for him break his duck tomorrow afternoon.
But Usuthu will be a changed team as Vukusic has also pledged to work on the team’s character which he said was the main ingredient to his success at former club Polokwane.