Gerdie Karstens

Kimberley – Griquas have called in sports psychologist Johan Botha to help breathe life into their ailing Currie Cup campaign after slumping to three successive defeats.

While defeats to the Blue Bulls, Sharks and Cheetahs has possibly relieved the pressure on Griquas, expectations are still high and the team has to get on the winning track as soon as possible. That is why Botha’s services are required.

“We had to get someone who can help us refocus on what is required,” said Griquas coach Dawie Theron.

Griquas showed in this year’s Vodacom Cup that they can handle pressure. That resulted in them winning the title. They showed a lot of character and mental resolve to register a number of victories.

If they want to reach the semi-finals, they will have to dig deep and remain calm under pressure as they did in the Vodacom Cup.

“The players realise how well they performed as a team at the beginning of the Currie Cup,” said Theron.

“They know they have been disappointing in recent weeks, but the hunger to win is still there.”

Griquas had led the Currie Cup standing for five weeks before the slump set in.