Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker has revealed that he believes the mental strength of his team was the problem behind their inconsistencies this season, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

The Glamour Boys endured a difficult campaign as they failed to secure any silverware for the third consecutive season. This failure ultimately cost Steve Komphela his job and contributed to the horrific scenes witnessed after their Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat against Free State Stars.

Parker revealed that his side’s mental strength let them down this season when speaking at the announcement of the PSL Award nominees.

‘It has been a rollercoaster season for us. We just couldn’t seem to find consistency. Every time we won one or two matches, we think we’re back on the horse, but then in the third match, we had disappointment.

‘I think it was more mental for us throughout the season. If we were 10% mentally stronger than we were, we would have been speaking differently now.

‘We also had so much disappointing draws right throughout the season. Maybe if we take those draws [winning the games instead], we would have been up there challenging with Orlando Pirates and Sundowns.

‘Things happen, this is football. You can see it also happens in Europe, look at Chelsea. It’s a big learning curve and the game teaches us.

‘In order for us to compete and become a champion, you have to sacrifice a lot. I’m sure we have learned [from the disappointment].

‘We will take this break to recoup, refresh and recharge and then we will come back stronger next season,’ concluded Parker.