Newly appointed Fidelity Titans coach Geoffrey Toyana outlines his aggressive vision to bridge the gap between domestic and international women's cricket in South Africa Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
As a seasoned veteran of South African domestic cricket, new Fidelity Titans women’s head coach Geoffrey Toyana is energised by the robust development structures already bearing fruit across the country.
“The stage we are at right now is a testament to our development systems. With promotion and relegation now in play, there’s added pressure on coaches. Ultimately, our primary duty is to prepare these players for the international stage,” Toyana shared in an exclusive interview with IOL.
Speaking at the launch of the new domestic season by Cricket SA (CSA) in Johannesburg on Thursday, Toyana—who previously represented and coached the Lions and Titans—highlighted the rapid evolution of the women’s game.
“The talent in South African cricket is immense, and the standard of women's cricket has grown exponentially over the last few years. It’s up to us as coaches to bridge that gap between the domestic circuit and the international arena.”
Known for his hard-nosed, aggressive tactical approach, Toyana confirmed his core philosophy will remain unchanged as he transitions to the women's game.
“I’m a firm believer in a positive brand of cricket. I want players to feel free and express themselves—seeing them bring the absolute best version of themselves to the field is what excites me,” he explained.
“We’re going to be positive, and we’re going to dominate at home. That’s something I take immense pride in. First and foremost, I’m a fan of the game, and I love the setup at the Titans. The culture and facilities are among the best in the country, and I’m eager to see what lies ahead.”
Despite moving over from men's cricket, Toyana insists the core principles of the job remain the same.
“To me, there’s no real difference. Coaching is fundamentally about connecting and building relationships. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity with the Fidelity Titans—it feels like home, and the talent in this squad is exceptional.”
“I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. The squad is hungry, and my focus is on closing the gap on teams like Western Province and the Lions. Exciting times lie ahead.”
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