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Cape Town - South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba admits Bernard Parker was well below his best against Zambia, but is confident the Kaizer Chiefs striker will improve with regular game time.
Read: Shakes prioritises AFCON triumph
Parker made his first appearance for Bafana Bafana since January in the 1-0 friendly win over the Copper Bullets at Orlando Stadium on Sunday, but was unable to make a telling contribution as he continues to rediscover his form following a lengthy spell out injured.
Mashaba, though, is not overly concerned by the forward's showing, and believes he will be back to his best before the start of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on January 17.
"He (Parker) didn't offer much but played his normal game. We saw that he looked unsure and uncertain. It was not the Bernard we know," said Mashaba.
"There are chances he got and normally when he is on form he buries them. We didn't worry because we know this was his first game after a long time not being in the team but he is going to help us with time."
Mashaba went on to admit that his overall attacking options have also been lacking, but again the tactician remained confident that his forwards will soon find their stride.
"In the striking force problems did emerge," he said.
"We created chances, we managed to go behind the defence but couldn't finish. It's an area of concern in the striking force.
"However, this game should not be a yardstick because the boy's level of fitness is questionable. Some of them last played before Christmas. Normally when players go a week without playing or training, their mood switches off and for them to restart it becomes a problem.
"It's not about departments but the whole teams needs a wake-up call, we are not all sharp."
