Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker started the season like a house on fire last season, scoring four goals in the Amakhosi's opening game of the season and he became the leading PSL goal-scorer.
The 27-year-old striker hung on to the top position until the last few games of the season where he was toppled by Katlego Mashego.
This season the mercurial striker has once again started well banging in four goals in six league games for Amakhosi and he is currently the joint PSL top goal-scorer with Moroka Swallows striker Edward Manqele.
It is early days yet but one gets the sense that Parker will once again be amongst the contenders for the Lesley Manyathela award (PSL top goal-scorer award), but the big question is can he finally win this award this season?
But before I can answer the question, let me start by addressing the issues that might have prevented Parker from winning it last season.
At the start of the season, Parker played in his rightful position and that is the striking position. This is the position where the former Twente striker is most effective.
But after Siphiwe Tshabala got injured, Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter decided to move Parker to the midfield and that's when the goals dried up. This presented an opportunity for Mashego to close the gap and eventually topple.
After a good start, the 2012/13 season ended disappointingly for Parker because he ended up missing out on the PSL top goal-scorer award.
With Chiefs deciding against signing any midfielders, Parker might find himself once again being moved to the midfield and that will no doubt decrease his chances of winning the PSL top goal-scorer award. This would be unfair on the player, who looks eager to silence his critics by winning this award.
Parker is a striker, a prolific one for that matter, so he needs to play in this position for the rest of the season.
There's no doubt in my mind that Parker will be amongst the contenders for the PSL top goal-scorer award.
In fact I think Parker will win this award if he plays upfront for the entire season.
Well, that's my thought.
What do you think?
Sidlal'idiski!
Khaya Ndubane
