Highveld Lions appoint Toyana coach

Geoffrey Toyana has been appointed Highveld Lions' head coach for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 domestic seasons, the Gauteng Cricket Board has confirmed. Toyana, who was the assistant coach of the Lions since 2011, replaces Dave Nosworthy, who had resigned last month.

Toyana, who retired as a domestic player in 2008, had served as the assistant coach for the South Africa Under-19 side and South Africa A, before joining Highveld Lions. His experience put him in line for full-time coach of the Lions, the chairman of the franchise, Archie Pretorius, said. "Geoffrey has certainly done the legwork to reach this level," he said. "We look forward to this new chapter for the Lions Cricket franchise."

Toyana said he was aware of the tests he would have to face as the head coach. "[This is] obviously the preferred next step in my career as a cricket coach," he said. "That said, I am well aware of the challenges that the team face and there is obviously the lack of silverware that has plagued the franchise.

"My immediate goal is to get the squad ready for the season and the Champions League T20. Our ultimate goal would definitely be to bring home the title of at least one of the competitions in the coming season."

Highveld Lions became the third South African franchise in six months to lose their coach when Nosworthy quit. ESPNcricinfo understands that ideological disputes and a lack of results caused Nosworthy's departure from the franchise.