Bernard Parker has thrown his weight behind Bafana Bafana ahead of the tricky friendly matches against Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay and Zimbabwe’s Rufaro Stadium respectively.

‘Bernito’ a regular with Bafana Bafana since Pitso Mosimane took over from Carlos Alberto Pereira was left out of the team for the next two international friendly games.

“It is very important that we end the year on a high following the disappointment of not qualifying for the African Cup of Nations.

A win against Ivory Coast this coming Saturday will definitely give the guys a boost. I have no doubt that the team is capable of bringing down the Elephants,” said the Boksburg born striker speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Wednesday afternoon.

Parker also backed his teammate, George Lebese who received his first call up to succeed both at club and international level, “I am happy for George together with other young guys that have been called up in the national team.

They have been doing well and deserve to be given a chance. George has also been doing well for the Club and I am happy for him. He can be very important both for the Club and country.

Talking about being left out in the national team, Parker said; “I looked at all the possibilities that might have led to the Coach taking a decision to leave me out. I thought maybe because I have not been scoring it might be one of the reasons. It is up to me to start working my way up again and score goals.

“I am fully match fit – however sometimes it does not come easy to be at your sharpest, getting into good scoring areas at a right time. I see this coming and I have no doubt that I will bounce back to my best.

Parker has scored once in the league since joining the Glamour Boys in July, a stunning free kick against Orlando Pirates back in September.