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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs forward Bernard Parker credits winning the mental battle he waged with himself to finding his scoring touch after going a year without a goal.
Even though the Bafana Bafana international isn't banging in goals as regularly as he used to, he has scored three times this season.
Parker came up with an assist in the 1-1 Soweto derby draw against Orlando Pirates, laying the ball for Joseph Molangoane to score.
"I got to understand that football is a funny game, that's why it's called the beautiful game," the 30-year-old told Vodacom Soccer.
"You reach your peak. You gain form, you lose form. You overcome certain obstacles. It's more mental than anything. It was important that I competed with myself first, fight with myself.
"I had conversations with myself, telling myself that there is something that I am not doing right. That's why I wasn't playing also.
"I made sure that I keep myself sharp, fit and motivated while I waited for my chance. When my chance came, I took it with both hands and things went my way."
Parker admits that it was tough during that dry run, but found small things to pick himself up with.
"The key to doing well is winning the mental battle because I knew I have the talent," he added.
"I worked hard to be where I am. The key is to keep yourself in a good state mentally. I also made sure that every time I left the village in Naturena, I left in a good condition with a good feeling that I had a good session.
"Also in the morning, listening to your favourite song and singing along on your way to work. That's very important. It's the small things that count."
