Vlad V could fix Parker

If Bernard Parker joins Kaizer Chiefs, he would be stepping backwards. He has two years left on his contract with FC Twente - long enough to prove himself on loan in the European wilderness. You could argue that coming home to Jozi now, at age 25, is a cowardly cop-out.

But sometimes tactical retreat is a wise move. Following a lacklustre loan stint with crappy Greek side Panserraikos, now relegated, Parker finds himself in a cul-de-sac. He badly needs a jolt of confidence if he's to regain the sparkling form of two years ago that earned him the Twente move, and Vladimir Vermezovic might be just the coach to reignite his game.

One question is whether Chiefs can afford to match his Twente salary, even if they do use the proceeds of the likely sale of Knowledge Musona to TSG Hoffenheim. A loan deal might be struck in which Twente pay a portion of his wages.

Another question is whether the Amakhosi faithful - not renowned for their patience with misfiring forwards - can give Parker the loyal encouragement he needs.

He is a clever, quick and workaholic player, but he's also prone to thinking too much and trying too hard on the pitch. He didn't get many opportunities at Twente, usually appearing off the bench, and didn't impress largely because he was too desperate to impress. His touch can let him down when he's hyped up.

During Bafana's victory over Egypt at Ellis Park this year, Parker kept trying in vain to win the approval of the fans with solo skill, repeatedly attempting and failing to go past his marker in possession. Bafana fans did not appreciate this. If he goes to Chiefs, Parker will need to relax on the job and let his best qualities - his pace, stamina and mobility - talk. He shouldn't try to make like Messi.

It might be that Parker is one of a growing number of South African players who seem too talented to spend their whole careers in the PSL, but also lack the overall quality to hack it in the major leagues they aspire to.

In Parker's case, his height (1.70m) might be the decisive factor in favour of a home-bound club career. Of course there's a place for diminutive players at the pinnacle of the European game (Exhibit A: Barcelona) but a lack of muscle or height or pace serves to amplify any technical and temperamental flaws a player may have. There's no place to hide.

And there's no shame in settling for a PSL career. It's a demanding and steadily improving league, in which a player of Parker's calibre can bank millions and secure his family's future.

That said, the stubbornly low profile of the South African foreign legion is getting depressing. Somebody has to break into Europe's top floor - perhaps Thulani Serero, who must make his prodigious gifts count at Ajax Amsterdam this season. Our football is recovering fast from its lost decade, but a new international star is urgently needed.