"It was a year with the best and worst of both worlds," reflects Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker on 2014. "For example, we got a blow by not retaining our league title. Also, we failed to qualify for the group stage of the African Champions League."

"On a personal level, I finished last season with only being able to play thanks to injections. My ankle was hurting. After the season ended, I underwent an ankle operation.

"However, coming to the 2014/2015 season, it has been an absolutely great ride so far. We won the MTN8, which was in particular satisfying as we beat our rivals Orlando Pirates in the final. Winning is in our DNA - we stayed undefeated after having played 18 league matches.

"And, on the brink of 2015, I got selected for the Bafana Bafana squad to go the Africa Cup of Nations. To be honest, after seeing our national team winning on their qualifying route to the Afcon, I got motivated to push myself to score and to become fully fit again.

"It all worked out well, thanks also to the perfect timing by finishing the year with scoring a few goals for Kaizer Chiefs. Five of our players are in the Bafana squad, including Brilliant Khuzwayo, Erick Mathoho, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Mandla Masango. Going to Equatorial Guinea will present South Africa with the possibility of making history.

"Then, after the Afcon, the bread and butter of Kaizer Chiefs will continue. It will be a challenge to get adjusted again after the Africa Cup of Nations campaign, especially with so many games coming up for the league, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League.

"However, I feel positive that the same won't happen as last year, because we are now mentally stronger. We should really eye reaching the group stage of the Champions League. That won't be easy. On the other hand - if you can dream it, you can do it.

"I like to wish everybody - above all our Chiefs supporters and the entire Amakhosi family - a prosperous New Year, full of positivity and a year of dreams manifesting itself. Happy New Year to all!"