Parker sets lofty goals for Chiefs

“I am sure I will transform that winning feeling into the league and give 100 percent every time I get a chance to play.”

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Bernard Parker might have only been with Kaizer Chiefs for a few weeks, but he’s already scored once – as many as he’s managed for Bafana Bafana in over a year.

And now the Amakhosi’s newest striker is eyeing up the leading goalscorer award, as he heads into the start of the Absa Premiership this weekend.

The 25 year-old has returned to the Premier Soccer League this season, after a difficult spell in Europe.

And he has already endeared himself to the Amakhosi fans, netting in the penalty shootout in the Carling Black Label Cup final, before an official goal on his official debut, another spot kick in normal time in the MTN8 quarter-final against BIDvest Wits.

It must have come as a mighty relief to Parker to have got off the mark so early, especially as his only goal for Bafana in the past year came way back in September, when he netted against Niger in a 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier. Parker also didn’t exactly hit the heights at Dutch side FC Twente or Greek club Panserraikos, where he was on loan since January, also scoring just once.

Parker last played in the PSL with Thanda Royal Zulu in the 2008/9 season, and believes the standard is now greatly improved.

“I have been following the PSL and it’s much stronger now, that’s why I opted to come back,” said Parker this week, ahead of tonight’s opening league clash with Jomo Cosmos.

“I want to be the league’s top scorer.”

Parker refused to be drawn on how many goals he was looking for, though he did mention the Absa Premiership’s own target, where you have to reach 15 to be eligible for any financial reward.

Parker has slotted straight into the Amakhosi first team, and has been content with the way it has all begun.

“Preparation is going well, the guys are giving me a lot of support and it is a good start for me, scoring on debut.

“I am sure I will transform that winning feeling into the league and give 100 percent every time I get a chance to play.”

The Amakhosi, desperate for a league title having failed to pick up top domestic honours since the 2004/5 season, face a potentially tricky opener against Cosmos.

It is a game, at home against Jomo Sono’s newly-promoted side, that Chiefs are clear favourites to win. But too often last season they slipped up against supposedly weaker opposition, notably in a 3-2 defeat at home to Vasco Da Gama, who were also then new arrivals in the Absa Premiership.

Chiefs have had some physical battles with Cosmos in the past, and captain Jimmy Tau expects more of the same.

“I don’t think they will be different. Based on the coach’s (Jomo Sono) philosophy it will be a tough game, a very physical game,” said Tau.

“But more important are our own preparations – what we intend to achieve. We want to have a good start to the season, it is very important to collect points early.”

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, meanwhile, believes Chiefs have what it takes to challenge on all fronts.

“I want to help the team win trophies – everything on offer,” said Khune. “We are a good team and a strong enough team to challenge for everything.” - Saturday Star

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/parker-sets-lofty-goals-for-chiefs-1.1116921

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