Tim Sukazi addresses timing of Bernard Parker’s TS Galaxy departure

Sukazi announced last month on Ikwekwezi FM that The Rockets were making changes to their technical team, with reports subsequently linking Bosnian coach Admir Azem to the vacant position.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport on Thursday, Sukazi addressed the timing of the developments, suggesting the public discussion surrounding Parker’s personal circumstances was coincidental.

"No, as a club, of course, we're also quite surprised when we saw the long statement coming from his social media account, you know, but then you'd understand that clubs and employers in general don't really get too involved in people's personal affairs. You see and hear of them as and when they happen, you know," said Sukazi

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"So, yeah, all we could say is to the extent that there are any challenges with his personal life, I think he's a man, he should find a way to resolve it and, you know, so that he could come back to football if he's not within football.

"You know, we want Bernard Parker to live within the game of football. He's a legend to our country. He's accomplished a lot and has done a lot for our country. So we would always be pleased to see him within the game of football. And as I've said to him, he knows it, the TS Galaxy platform has always been there for him and, yeah, opportunities would always be there. We would always try to retain him just in the interest of South African football."

Detailing his conversation with Parker in the lead up to his exit, Sukazi further revealed the former Bafana Bafana striker had shared plans to continue working on his coaching badges abroad. 

Sukazi added that Parker was in fact offered a position as the reserve league coach with Esau Mtsweni, who was in charge of Galaxy against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday night, being promoted to senior team assistant coach.