Geoffrey Toyana was the Cricket South Africa PitchVision Coach of the Year in 2015 and was nominated for 2016

Details:

Name: Geoffrey Toyana

Age: 41

Role: Head Coach, Highveld Lions

Playing Career: 84 first class matches, 3037 runs @ 24.49, 71 List A matches, 872 runs @18.95

Coaching Career: Easterns (2007-10), Emerging South Africa (2009), South Africa Under 19 (2012), Highveld Lions (2011-date)

PitchVision Academy caught up with the winner to ask him more about how he did it.

Who did you admire as a coach?

Growing up in first-class cricket I admired Ray Jennings. He's a tough coach who tells it like it is. He had a big influence on my playing and coaching. Dave Nosworthy brought me into the Lions setup and coached me at the Titans.

What was your biggest challenge last season?

We had the loss of senior guys, but the biggest challenge was the match fixing saga. That implicated some of my players. It took a lot to overcome that as a squad, especially as a young group. They came through and took a trophy home so that was something really special.

What's the role of a modern coach?

I think the biggest role of a coach is to bring together people with different skills. It's important to balance everyone to believe in themselves and work as a group to achieve a common goal.

What have you learned?

I've learned this year how to transition from older players to a young, unproven team. If kids are talented, the best thing you can do is give them an opportunity. They will surprise you!

What factors are important to becoming a cricketer?

Technique is always important but it won't get you results without fitness and mental toughness. I like to combine all these into one because they are all vital.

Who is the best player you have worked with?

It's impossible to say because we work with people at different stages of their careers from emerging youngster to someone winding down. I just hope I have added value to the lives of everyone I have worked with. If I do that, my job is done.

How has cricket changed?

The pink ball has come into the game and that will bring crowds in longer games. In one day cricket, tactics have changed because of power plays. It brings a different dimension and you have to rethink your strategies.

What's the biggest challenge for young cricketers coming into professional cricket?

Youngsters come in as a superstar but are untested at the new level. They need to prove themselves and show that they belong at the professional level. The coach and senior players have to introduce them slowly and make them comfortable in the new environment.