As the Vodacom Bulls prepare to officially unveil Johan Ackermann as their new head coach on Wednesday, he’s got the endorsement of a world champion mentor.

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote says Ackermann’s appointment brings a proven winning culture to Pretoria – one that’s already evident in the U20s and poised to lift the senior side.

MORE: Junior Boks line Bulls squad

Foote, who had been working alongside Ackermann at the U20 World Championship in Italy, says the new Bulls coach’s influence is unmistakable.

“He brings energy, leadership and a winning mindset,” Foote told reporters in Italy.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the players respond to him. That same drive can do wonders at the Bulls.”

Foot has credited a large part of the Junior Boks’ success in Italy to Ackermann’s specialist coaching of the forwards.

“We’ve worked intensively on set pieces and mauls with Ackers - it’s sharpened our edge,” Foote said.

“That precision will be invaluable at Loftus Versfeld.”

ALSO: Ackers to decide assistant coaches’ fate

Now officially the successor to Jake White at the Bulls, Ackermann brings a reputation for man-management and structured attack built over his career with the Lions, Gloucester and in Japan. Foote believes Ackermann’s presence will unite the franchise.

“It’s not just about tactics, it’s the culture he builds,” Foote added.

“The Bulls faithful are in for something special.”

With the URC season looming, Foote expects Ackermann’s impact to be immediate.

“What I’ve seen in the U20s is just the start – now it’s time for that winning DNA to roll into the senior setup.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images