Nkwe takes Lions reins

Enoch Nkwe (pictured), the former assistant coach of both the Netherlands men’s team and South Africa’s women’s side, was announced yesterday as the new head coach of the Highveld Lions.

The replacement for the popular and highly-rated Geoff Toyana is intimately acquainted with the franchise, having spent his playing days there and also having coached the Gauteng Strikers team.

Oupa Nkagisang, the chairman of Lions cricket, said yesterday that the appointment of the 35-year-old Nkwe was the first step in the board’s plan to take the franchise in a new direction.

“We know we have not performed in the last two seasons and we want to re-establish ourselves as a force in South African cricket. We believe Enoch can take us in the right direction and make sure we are competitive. We are excited to have him as he is part of the Gauteng Lions, part of the system and our DNA.

“He understands our culture which makes it easier. He contributed to it and it was a good investment in him,” Nkagisang said.

While Nkwe said he will take ownership of the side in his own style, he paid tribute to Toyana and the work he has done as head coach over the last six seasons and said he would work closely with him in his new position as high performance coach.

“Geoff did some amazing work and has laid a very good platform, he proved that the Lions can achieve greatness, and produced a lot of players for the Proteas. I have done a lot of coaching around the world and learnt a lot of different strategies,” said Nkwe.

“All coaches have their different styles and I want to create a healthy environment that will allow the players to thrive.”