Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker has been making headlines in recent weeks following developments in both his professional and personal life.
The retired forward recently parted ways with TS Galaxy after a brief spell as head coach, while also announcing his separation from his wife, Kacha Stephanovic.
Parker, affectionately known as Die Hond, enjoyed a successful playing career before transitioning into coaching following his retirement.
Bernard Parker’s football journey
Parker first rose to prominence at Benoni Premier United before earning a move overseas following his impressive performances for Bafana Bafana at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
He subsequently joined Kaizer Chiefs, where he spent a decade and established himself as one of the club’s most recognisable players.
During his time at Naturena, the former striker won four trophies with Amakhosi.
In 2022, Parker left Chiefs and joined TS Galaxy, where he spent two seasons before bringing his playing career to an end.
He subsequently moved into coaching at the Mpumalanga-based club, initially working with the reserve team before being promoted to head coach towards the end of the 2025/26 season.
Parker guided Galaxy to the Nedbank Cup final, but his team ultimately lost to Durban City.
Why did Bernard Parker leave TS Galaxy?
Parker’s time as head coach proved short-lived. TS Galaxy CEO Tim Sukazi recently confirmed that the former striker had left the club after being removed from the head coach position.
Parker was reportedly offered an opportunity to serve as an assistant coach in the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team, but he did not accept the role.
His departure has raised questions about what comes next for the former Chiefs star, who had only recently begun his journey as a senior coach.
Parker’s departure from TS Galaxy coincided with the announcement that he and his wife, Kacha Stephanovic, were separating.
In his statement, the former footballer apologised for disappointing and hurting his wife, while acknowledging that he was dealing with personal struggles.
The announcement sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some users questioning aspects of the couple’s relationship.
On Thursday, the former Bafana Bafana international issued a statement calling for privacy as he navigates this period of change.
As things stand, Bernard Parker has left TS Galaxy and is no longer serving as the club’s head coach. He also declined the reported offer to join the DDC technical team as an assistant coach.
His next move in football remains unclear, with no new coaching appointment confirmed in the information available.
For now, Parker appears focused on addressing the circumstances surrounding his departure from the club and his personal life. He has urged the public to respect his privacy as he deals with these developments.