It’s fair to say South African players have enjoyed mixed success in English football. For every Lucas Radebe (
Leeds United 1994-2004), there’s been a Mbulelo Mabizela (
Tottenham Hotspur 2003-04), for every Steven Pienaar (
Everton 2007-present), a Phil Masinga (Leeds United 1994-96) and for every Benni McCarthy (
Blackburn Rovers 2006–present), a Quinton Fortune (
Manchester United 1999-06).
With next year’s World Cup taking place in South Africa, attention is naturally turning to the nation’s young players, in the hope of gauging whether or not they have a chance of embarking on a South Korea-style run to the latter stages of the tournament.
One of the Bafana Bafana’s most highly rated young stars is FC Twente striker Bernard Parker. The 23 year old was snapped up by Steve McClaren’s side having impressed during a six month stay at Crvena Zvezda (aka Red Star Belgrade), during which he scored six times in 16 matches.
Parker holds the key to South African success next summer
Parker is a hard-working and extremely energetic forward, who works tirelessly to create space for himself and his team-mates and is always looking for the ball. If South Africa are to have a good summer, Parker will be an integral part of it.
FourFourTwo contributor Jonathan Wilson tells us more…
Bernard Parker
Age 23
Position Striker
Nationality South African
Club FC Twente
Games 132
Goals 35 (career club record)
South Africa went into the Confederations Cup scratching its head as to how they could possibly replace Benni McCarthy, who had fallen out with the coach, Joel Santana.
But by the end the solution was obvious: Bernard Parker may not be as prolific as the Blackburn Rovers striker – although his ratio of a goal every three internationals suggests he is not quite such a blunt weapon as his critics have suggested, despite one credulity-defying miss against Iraq. He is a fine leader of the line, a dogged and rapid centre-forward who can hold the ball up and bring South Africa’s raft of talented attacking midfielders into play in the 4-2-3-1 Santana adopted over the course of the tournament.
That said, it may still be that his best position is as a foil for a more natural goalscorer in some variant of 4-4-2, which may be an option for Santana if he can patch up his differences with McCarthy.
Despite the sign, Bernard Parker is not available on a Bosman...
Born in Boksburg, just outside Johannesburg, Parker showed promise as a swimmer and a sprinter before settling on football. He came to prominence three seasons ago after leaving Benoni Premier United for Thandu Royal Zulu where, often playing in midfield, he scored 15 goals in 41 starts.
A move to Crvena Zvezda in January 2009 seemed a gamble, and although his time in Belgrade was hampered by injury, he has since – after a protracted wrangle over his contract – joined Steve McClaren at FC Twente.
Talentspotter ratings:
Heading - 7
Crossing - 6
Tackling - 4
Creativity - 7
Passing - 7
Work-rate - 9
Pace - 9
Shooting - 6
Dribbling - 7
Overall - 6.5