Kaizer Chiefs legend Bernard Parker has accused former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena of misleading the public about the support he offered following Parker’s career-threatening injury.
While playing for TS Galaxy in October 2023, Parker broke his leg following a dangerous tackle from ex-Sundowns midfielder Zungu. The 39-year-old retired striker was out for nearly a year before he miraculously recovered and got back on the field.
A week after the incident, Rulani, who was the coach at Downs, told the media that he sent a text to Parker and arranged a ‘get-well package’.
Speaking on Smash Football podcast, the former Chiefs striker said he never received any text from either Rulani or Zungu while he was in hospital.
“I can say right now on a public platform that he (Zungu) never sent me a text message, and he never called me. The media was going crazy about this whole thing, you know.
“Everybody visited me in the hospital but not even one Sundowns player or representative came to see me,” Parker said.
Parker lashes out at Rulani Mokwena
When asked if Rulani sent flowers and chocolates, Parker said it wasn’t Mokwena who sent flowers, it was the Sundowns’ manager.
“He sent those R300 cheap flowers to be honest, not even R500 flowers, and there were no chocolates. Rulani lied on a public platform that he sent me a text message. He never texted or called,” Parker added.
The former Bafana Bafana forward said that even after he left the hospital and went into rehabilitation, he still did not receive an apology from Bongani Zungu or Sundowns.
Both Mokwena and Zungu ironically left Mamelodi Sundowns that same season after the club failed to win the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League. ‘Ben 10’ joined AmaZulu, while Rulani left for Wydad Casablanca before joining MC Alger.