Exclusive: Temba Bavuma’s ICC Glory Fulfils Geoffrey Toyana’s Dream of Producing a Proteas Great

Today, Temba Bavuma is the toast of South African cricket for many, most recently for leading the Proteas to their first major ICC title in 27 years. 

There was a time though, when Bavuma was a wide-eyed youngster rising up through the ranks of first-class cricket when the odds were stacked against him. 

As the first Black African batsman to represent South Africa in Test cricket, Bavuma has continued to pile on the records in a storied career.

But it was one of the first interactions former Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana had with Bavuma that it was already clear that this player was destined for greatness. 

Born in 1974 in Soweto, Toyana during his playing career played over 150 first-class and List A matches combined, representing Easterns, Gauteng and the Titans.

Producing South Africa’s Top Batsman, Temba Bavuma

Toyana admitted he was not good enough to play for South Africa, but when he turned to coaching it became his mission to produce a top batsman for the nation.

“I’m proud of Temba. Growing up, as well as a player, as a Black African cricketer,” Toyana told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview at the annual KFC mini-cricket seminar at the beginning of July in Polokwane.

“It was tough, for us to pull through, or not that I was good enough to play for the Proteas. I was not. But for me, when I got the job, to coach the Lions, one of my goals, was to try produce at least, one or two batsmen, for the country."

“Temba did that for us in 2014, it was a proud moment. I was so excited when he got the call. And to see him now… I’ve always believed that Temba was a leader, because I still remember our first meeting with him.”

Toyana Reveals Bavuma’s Strategic Planning for His Future in Cricket

“He came with a notebook, with questions to ask me, like two pages. He wanted to map out his future. That was 2012. We mapped out everything for him."

“He knew exactly where he was going and what direction he was going to take."

“That showed me Temba was prepared for something bigger. I’m not surprised now that he’s a national captain and it’s something that makes me proud, every day.”

A Catalyst for More Test Cricket and Global Recognition

South Africa’s win in the WTC would do more than re-establish the nation as one of the most powerful nations on the world stage, but it would hopefully lead to more Test cricket for the Proteas, believed Toyana.

“It’s great to see, I mean, we can’t be satisfied with just one, the World Test Championship trophy."

“Our country is full of talent and it’s something that we just have to continue doing and make sure that we keep the Proteas at number one."

“For us to get more recognition as well from the ICC, as we are not part of the top three."

“And for us to win the Test Championship is something that will make the world look at this top three and maybe try to change it and just make sure that everyone has their piece of the cake."

“This one is big, for world cricket in general. And I believe that South Africa or maybe the world needs a strong Proteas team to be part of the world stage," he concluded.