Chiefs’ decision to hire high-performance coach hailed as a sign of intent
Kaizer Chiefs’ decision to hire a revered high-performance coach has been hailed as a sign of intent from management.
Amakhosi recently made a bold move by appointing renowned sports psychologist Dr. Henning Gericke to their technical team as a high-performance coach.
The move is seen as a sign of intent from the club, who are determined to return to winning ways after a lengthy trophy drought.
Gericke is a highly experienced sports psychologist with a wealth of experience in elite sport. He has worked with several top South African teams, including the Springboks, Bafana Bafana, Proteas and the Sharks.
The holder of a PhD in sports psychology has already significantly impacted the global sports stage, most notably through his crucial role in the Springboks’ historic victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
CHIEFS’ DECISION A MASTERSTROKE
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi believes Gericke’s appointment is a major coup for Amakhosi. The newly appointed coach of ABC Motsepe side The Dolphins, Tsotetsi, thinks the author of six bestselling books will be able to help the team improve their mental strength and resilience.
Some players at the club, particularly those new to the set-up, have often crumbled under pressure. Tsotetsi believes Gericke’s expertise could be the key to helping the team overcome this problem.
“As footballers, we go through a lot,” Tsotetsi, who played for Amakhosi between 2007 and 2009, told FARPost. “Kaizer Chiefs definitely need a sports psychologist. The club has invested in quality players and a quality technical team.
“However, mental strength plays a huge role in football. You could train and be in good physical shape. But once you’re not mentally fit, it can undo all the physical work.
“A footballer must be psychologically strong, especially for a club like Chiefs. There are personal issues and overall team issues to overcome.
“I honestly feel it’s very good for management to bring in someone of Dr. Henning’s calibre.”
One of his functions at Chiefs is to advise the players so that they can improve their attention and concentration, better manage their emotions, increase their motivation, reduce pre-match anxiety and strengthen their self-confidence.
DR GERICKE WAS AN ATHLETE
In addition to his work with elite athletes, Gericke is a passionate advocate for mental health. He is a regular speaker at conferences and events and has written extensively on the topic.
Interestingly, Gericke was an athlete, having qualified for the 1984 Olympics. At 16, he also held the world record for 1500 metres.
His appointment at kaizer Chiefs further indicates the club’s commitment to providing their players with the best possible support.
Amakhosi fans got a glimpse of Gericke when he recently observed the team’s pre-match warm-up ahead of their 3-0 win over AmaZulu FC. His presence at the club has generated excitement among players and staff, who are eagerly awaiting the application of his insights and techniques.
The appointment of a sports psychologist looks like a significant development for the Soweto giants. It is a sign that the club is serious about improving its performances and returning to winning ways. With Gericke on board, kaizer Chiefs will hope to challenge for trophies in the coming years.
Ahead of the current season, the club also reinforced their goalkeeping department with veteran goalkeeper coach Rainer Dinkelacker. The move ensures head coach Molefi Ntseki is surrounded by exceptional experts in various aspects of the game.
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