Toyana and Morkel go from foes to friends to foes again

On Wednesday, Geoff Toyana and Albie Morkel will plot against each other in the eKhasi challenge.

It’s annual season-opener between the Highveld Lions and Titans, played in Gauteng’s biggest townships.

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Yet in just under two months’ time, the two men will suddenly be on the same side … for Benoni Zalmi in the T20 Global League.

Toyana will be assistant coach and Morkel the seasoned veteran.

Welcome to the world of professional cricket.

Indeed, South Africa sport is very much still used to the idea of provincialism.

Players and coaches representing two different teams in one season just sounds weird.

But Morkel, whose played in T20 leagues all around the world, can assure one that relationships aren’t soured by this new reality in cricket.

“Cricket has evolved in the last decade,” he said.

“It’s something the Indian Premier League (IPL) started. You played against guys during the tournament and two months later you’re back on the same team again. Players and coaches have matured in that sense. I don’t foresee that being a problem.”

In fact, the big-hitting Morkel believes it’s an enriching experience.

“Players nowadays could actually play under four or five different coaches in one year. You really get to learn a lot of different things from different men. That’s why I think it’s not that difficult anymore to adapt to different sides,” he said.

Toyana, renowned for his excellent man management skills, noted how certain relationships are enduring.

“I’ve known Albie since he was 16. I doubt there’ll be any issues with us being on the same side for a while,” said the Lions coach.

“It’s a great opportunity for both of us, just to connect and exchange ideas again. We played for five years together at Easterns. We know each other well.”