Bernard Parker got his first start last Saturday in an official match this season against AmaTuks. The Kaizer Chiefs striker played the full 90 minutes.

“It’s just my sharpness that still needs to improve a bit, but that comes with game time,” Parker says ahead of the sold out MTN8 Cup final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday evening in Durban.

“It was great to be getting a full game again,” continues Parker, who injured his ankle towards the end of last season, even needing an operation. “I didn’t feel tired and I had no cramps.”

Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter stressed after the Tuks match that he was happy having the striker back to full fitness: “We are desperate to get Bernard firing!”

Parker scored the winner in the 2013 Nedbank Cup final against SuperSport United. That is the most recent Cup trophy the Amakhosi won. It’s far from sure that Parker will get to start in Saturday’s Derby. However, whatever happens, the striker is feeling good to be back in action. Looking ahead to the final, he says: “I am mentally ready for the final!”