TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic has provided an update on striker Bernard Parker, confirming that his sensational return from injury is close but has one more hurdle to overcome.
Parker has been out of action for six months after sustaining a horrific and what seemed a career-ending injury when his leg was broken in a tussle for the ball with Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu during a Carling Knockout last-16 encounter in October last year.
Despite many suggesting that the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana forward would be forced to retire, the 38-year-old has defied the odds and was recently seen on social media back in training and working hard on his recovery and return to the field.
As the bearer of positive news, Ramovic has since revealed that Parker has fully recovered physically but has to win the mental battle and believe that his body is ready for the striker to be back on the pitch.
“In terms of his injury, Parker is great now.
The only thing is that he needs to get trust back in his head about his body,” Ramovic revealed to Sunday World recently.
“This will be a process, but he’s training with us.
He is -doing all the exercises that other players are doing.
He is training well, and you can see he’s very close to being back on the field of play,” the coach said.
“How he sees things and how he finds solutions in small spaces – his technique – you can see that he’s a world-class player and a top player.
“So, I’m sure before the end of the season, we can see him back on the field if he hopefully stays without injuries.”
Parker started his career at Benoni Premier United before he moved to Europe where he had unsuccessful stints at Red Star Belgrade and later FC Tweente.
He returned to the PSL and joined Kaizer Chiefs where he spent 11 years and scored more than 60 goals.
He also played 73 matches for Bafana.
With less than 10 games remaining before the conclusion of the DStv Premiership and Galaxy knocked out of all the domestic cup competitions, it remains to be seen whether Parker will make his long-awaited return.
The Rockets will be hosting high-flying Stellenbosch FC in their next league encounter at Mbombela Stadium this evening. Kick off is at 5:30pm.
Stellenbosch is currently enjoying a 22-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
