Henning Gericke (Gallo Images)

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Jaco van der Merwe

Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana have sent an SOS to Springbok World Cup winning psychologist Henning Gericke.

The South African soccer team needs every bit of help it can get ahead of next year’s World Cup soccer tournament, which kicks off in June.

Bafana are in a tough group with Mexico, Uruguay and France. They are under enormous pressure not to suffer the ignominy of becoming the first host nation to crash out in the first round.

Gericke, who was part of the management team that masterminded the Boks’ World Cup win in 2007, confirmed on Monday that Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira had asked him to spend three days at the team’s first training camp in Durban in January.

After that Gericke may also be involved at the training camps in Brazil and Germany, while he’s also likely to assist at the team’s final training camp in May.

“I am really impressed with the coach’s attitude. He is very dedicated and I believe we’ll work together well,” said Gericke.

“I’m optimistic about the team and it’s going to be a huge challenge to work with the guys.”

Parreira had not been keen to call on a sports psychologist following his reappointment last month, but changed his mind after seeing Gericke’s track record.

Apart from his work with the Boks, he has also been involved at the Bulls and worked with Bafana during the Confederations Cup earlier this year.

Bafana surprised friend and foe at the Confederations Cup by coming close to beating Brazil and Spain.

South Africa have only managed one victory – against minnows Madagascar - out of eight matches since then. They could also only score two goals in the eight games and have slipped down to No 86 – their lowest spot in 16 years – on the world rankings.

“We’re not going to sort out our problems quickly, but I’m prepared to work hard to make something of Bafana. It just makes sense to call in someone (Gericke), who has previously done good work with the team,” said Parreira.

“The only way we will manage to advance past the first round of the World Cup is by working hard. We want to lay the foundation for a good tournament with good preparation. It’s no guarantee of success, but if you’re not going to be prepared, you may as well leave it.”