Kaizer Chiefs congratulate Parker, Petersen on university degrees

Kaizer Chiefs have congratulated Bernard Parker and Brylon Petersen for achieving their respective academic qualifications in the past week.

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Parker completed a Higher Certificate in Marketing with a Specialisation in Sport from Boston City Campus, while Petersen completed a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Parker, a veteran of 10 years with the Soweto giants, acquired his qualification in a course that ranges between 18 months to three years to secure.

For Petersen, the completion of his Mechanical Engineering degree was the end of a six-year journey which started in started in 2014.

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His time at the university was prolonged by having to combine studying with a full-time professional football career, which took a lot of hard work and sacrifice on his part.

The ecstatic Amakhosi goalkeeper said it was very challenging and it boiled down to a lot of discipline, sacrifice and time management.

Petersen completed high school in 2013 says he adapted to being able to juggle studying and being a footballer, although it was challenging at times.

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“It’s been a real rollercoaster in the last couple of years,” he said.

“This is the life I signed up for – pursuing both my passions simultaneously. Not a lot of people can say that. It’s been a journey that I have enjoyed, as I pushed my limits and my boundaries – really testing my abilities.”

Upon reflection after having now completed his degree, the 25-year-old says that feels that it is vital that all footballers have some academic qualification, which can be of benefit to them once their football career is over.

“One of the reasons I pursued a degree was to try and normalise education in football for players. I hope our achievements will motivate fellow players.”

In a statement, Kaizer Chiefs said they will continue to support all members of staff in the pursuit of further educating themselves and in further development in football and other spheres of life.

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