Newly appointed Benoni Northerns Sports Club chairperson Ivan Henn says taking the reins of one of South Africa’s most respected multi-sport clubs is less about prestige and more about service.

The long-serving executive member, who spent several years as deputy chairperson under Emma da Silva, said he was deeply honoured by the faith members had placed in him but insisted his focus would remain on giving back to the club he has called his second home for the past 12 years.

“At the end of the day we’re here to serve the club and give back to the community,” said Henn.

“Nothing really changes for me. I’m humbled, proud and very grateful that people see me as someone who can do this for them. My job is simply to do my best and serve the club as well as I can.”

Henn, who joined Northerns as a cricketer before serving on the cricket committee and later the executive, admitted becoming chairperson was an overwhelming moment despite having been groomed for the position.

“I was honoured that people had faith in me to lead this great club. It was overwhelming but, more than anything, I was grateful for the opportunity.”

Rather than introducing sweeping changes, Henn said his priority would be to build on the strong foundations established by previous leadership while ensuring the club remains financially sound and well governed.

“Our sporting sections are running extremely well because of the incredible volunteers and committee members. Our role as the executive is to enable them to continue doing what they do, provide good governance and make sure the club remains financially stable.”

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Henn also wants to strengthen Benoni Northerns’ reputation as a premier sporting destination capable of hosting major events while ensuring members remain the priority.

The club has already welcomed professional teams such as Sekhukhune United for training, hosted Easterns cricket matches and will stage the National Masters Baseball Tournament later this year.

“Those are the kinds of events a club of this stature should be hosting. We have facilities and sporting codes that very few clubs can match, and we want to showcase that to a wider audience while making sure our members always have access first.”

A passionate sportsman who still plays cricket and baseball while coaching football, cricket and baseball, Henn believes the club’s rich legacy made it a perfect fit for him.

“Sport is who I am. I don’t think there’s another club that suits me better. On any given day I can come here and watch quality sport and see people contributing positively to the community.”

He pointed to Northerns’ proud record of producing national athletes across cricket, baseball, football, hockey, athletics and other sporting codes as proof of the club’s enduring impact.

He has a simple message to members and the wider Benoni community.

“We’ll continue building on the solid foundations already in place and keep supporting the sportsmen, women and volunteers who make this club special. Benoni Northerns is more than just a sports club – it’s a place where the community comes together, and everyone is welcome.”

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