FORMER Bafana Bafana goalkeeper André Arendse has praised national team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira for organising two training camps in Brazil and Germany, saying they were of great benefit to the players.

Arendse was in Durban on Monday night as an ambassador for Powerade, the brand Fifa has chosen for players at the 2010 World Cup.

"I think the two camps did help the guys in many ways - first, to shy away from the media hype here at home and second, to help the team to be mentally and physically strong," he said.

"In the past we have lacked mental strong points and I think we have changed that, judging by the way we have been playing lately.

"Mental strength is important in a tournament of this magnitude."

Arendse, who represented South Africa at two World Cup finals, said though the opening match against Mexico on June 11 is not going to be easy, he believes Bafana Bafana will triumph.

"Actually, all the matches are not going to be easy, but with good support and the vuvuzelas, as was the case when we beat Thailand in Nelspruit on Sunday, we should do well," Arendse said.