WATCH: Zwane backs Chiefs legend Parker to go into coaching

The 36-year-old Parker is one of the greatest players to have ever laced up his boots for Kaizer Chiefs, having made over 300 appearances and winning five titles along the way, while he is said to have ‘set himself up to stay involved in the game’ by going into coaching when he retires.

WATCH | KAIZER CHIEFS GIVE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS A GUARD OF HONOUR

Now in his 10th season with Amakhosi, Parker is still an integral member of the current setup – both as a leader and prominent frontline player.

Arthur Zwane has now shared why he believes the stalwart has all the attributes to become a highly successful coach.

“I talk to each and every player and Bernard knows he won’t play football forever,” Zwane said post-match.

“He has hinted that he wants to take up coaching and I would advise him to apply for coaching courses. There are opportunities left, right and centre.

“I told him that he can go to Ireland as well. That’s where I got my coaching license and he can also get help from SAFA and I think CAF will now allow the coaches because the situation with Covid is getting better.

“We will try and help Bernard. If he wants to do coaching, we will most definitely help him. We need more people who are influential, people who can lead by example.

“He’s never been a troublesome player, he’s always been disciplined. If he becomes a coach tomorrow, he will be a good leader.”

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS LINKED WITH ANOTHER PSL DEFENDER!

Coach Arthur Zwane insists Chiefs need to go local with their next coach.

“We are adopting things that are not ours.”

His response ranges from ancestors to black tax. (1/2) @iDiskiTimes pic.twitter.com/m21zHIfP0U

— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) May 8, 2022

Parker’s representative Mike Makaab has suggested the ball is in Chiefs’ court when it comes to deciding if they want to prolong his career beyond this season, but it’s clear that the veteran has already given thought to what could come next.

“It just depends on how he finishes this season, how he feels, how the club feels about him, we never pushed Kaizer Chiefs to extend his contract last year, they approached us and said we’d like to give Bernard another year,” Makaab recently confirmed to iDiski Times.

“I think once again, that’s the way we’ll look at it. Bernard definitely wants to go into coaching he’s also done a couple of academic studies, he’s a sports management qualification, he’s done sports psychology. 

“So Bernard has really set himself up to stay involved in the game. He loves the game, he loves the club and in an ideal world, we’d love to see him in a coaching position at Kaizer Chiefs.”

Parker has previously said he feels in good condition to continue playing for Chiefs

“There’s not a lot of 35-year-olds who’re in good shape like me. I feel like I can still go for a few more years but it will depend where I will be in future, but I still have a lot of mileage in my legs. I still have a lot to offer on the field of play.

“Before Chiefs no longer need my service in future, I’d love to leave the club with a cup, that’s my personal goal after we’ve suffered such a long trophy drought [having never won an official cup since the 2014/15 season’s league title].” Bernard Parker told SowetanLive.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS LEGEND SET TO COACH AMAKHOSI