Chiefs have won the season curtain-raiser just once in the last four years and though some might view it as a mere pre-season contest, Parker feels Amakhosi need to win it to set the tone ahead of their MTN8 date against Maritzburg United on Wednesday evening.
“This is preparation, but what a way to start off the season for the supporters! As a player starting the season off in front of 90 000 fans is motivation on its own,” he says. “This is the fifth edition of the Black Label Cup and it is very important that we win the game to boost us as players.”
Parker also emphasises the need for a good start this season – just like they did last season – noting just how excited they are to get going again.
“It is very important [that we start well] and we are well aware that teams will be gunning for us because of what we achieved last season,” the forward says.
“It is very important for us to win early and get our confidence and new combinations flowing up as quick as possible. If we put the first one, in this case the Black Label Cup, in the bag then after that things will just flow automatically for us to challenge for every cup.
“We are itching to play and it shows here at training that we all want to impress the coach and I am sure the coach also cannot wait to start with the games. It is going to be a tough month, but with the experience that we have I think it is going to be a good one,” he says, before also mentioning the adjustment of working under new coach Steve Komphela.
“The coach has been coaching in the PSL as a South African coach and coached a few of us at national level,” Parker adds. “So knowing our strengths it makes it easier for the coach and for us to do what he wants us to do.
“Trust me, when the season starts we are going to be quality.”
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