Biography
Who is Bernard Parker?
Early life and beginnings
Bernard Parker grew up in Reiger Park, which is a township located near Boksburg in Gauteng, South Africa. During his youth, he demonstrated versatility in athletics by excelling in both short and long-distance running. He also achieved regional recognition by earning Eastern Gauteng colours for his performance in swimming.
His formal training in football began at the School of Excellence. He started his professional path with Hellenic FC in Cape Town, a club that was later purchased and renamed Benoni Premier United. The team eventually relocated to Durban and was rebranded as Thanda Royal Zulu F.C., where he remained until 2009.
Professional football career
In 2009, Bernard moved to Europe to join the Serbian club Red Star Belgrade on loan. Shortly after, he signed with the Dutch side FC Twente, where he contributed to the team winning the 2009–10 Eredivisie title and the 2010 Johan Cruyff Shield. His time in Europe also included a loan spell at the Greek club Panserraikos F.C. In 2011.
He returned to South Africa to join the Kaizer Chiefs in 2011. Over the next decade, he became a central figure for the club, making more than 350 appearances and scoring over 60 goals. During this period, he secured two league titles, the Nedbank Cup, and the MTN 8 trophy. He also received the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot for the 2013–14 season.
International play and transition to coaching
Bernard represented the South Africa national team from 2007 until 2015, appearing in 73 matches and scoring 23 goals. He played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 African Cup of Nations. One of his well-known international achievements was scoring the winning goal against Spain in 2013 and winning the top goalscorer award at the 2014 African Nations Championship.
Following his departure from the Kaizer Chiefs in 2022, he joined TS Galaxy. He retired from professional playing in July 2024. He transitioned into management, initially leading the TS Galaxy reserves before being appointed as the head coach for the first team in June 2026.
Personal life
Bernard Parker married Wendy Cherry on 16 June 2012. The wedding ceremony took place in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, and included 170 guests. He stands 172 centimetres tall.
Birthday and age
Bernard Parker was born on March 16, 1986, which makes Bernard 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Bernard shares the date with 25 other famous people.
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