Educated, well travelled and passionate are a few words that can be used to describe North West Cricket’s new president, Dr Oupa Nkagisang.

There is no denying that the first black president of the association has paid his dues in South African cricket and the broader North West community, especially when taking a look at his loaded CV.

From starting as an educator to a management role at Ashanti Gold Mines and getting his doctorate in sociology in between, the Ikageng born Nkagisang has definitely made the most of his opportunities. He has now been given his greatest opportunity in leading North West Cricket into an unrivaled period of success in all aspects, on and off the field. According to Nkagisang, his involvement in cricket started out of the blue when Richard Tito asked him to coach one of the Coke national sides when he was still an educator.

  “I have always loved sport as it is something I have studied as well. The only way I could make an impact at that time of my life was through administration. I also started getting involved in coaching in the late 90s, when I was part of the Coke Week team for six consecutive years.”

Nkagisang then went provincial when he was the manager of the North West Dragons B team and managed SA “A” from 2003-2005 amongst numerous other roles as manager or director. “My dream was always to become the president of North West Cricket and president of Cricket South Africa in the long term. Now it is time for me to step up as president. The biggest challenge is to bring change for the good and to expand the footprint of cricket in the province. My role will be to integrate various communities and to provide opportunities for everyone,” he maintained.

According to Nkagisang, transformation should not only be seen in terms of colour, but rather in terms of opportunities and talent growth in cricket.

  “It should never be a numbers game. Transformation should focus on the skills of people and growth in talent. It is important that players who come through the ranks should be recognised for their talent and not their colour.”

“I hope I can create a platform where people can display their talent and make sure that cricket is a preferred sport in North West.”

Nkagisang’s humble background has also played an important role in his beliefs and motivation; he has always had to work hard to be the best.

“I am constantly driven by success. I have a real yearning to contribute to humanity and to make a real mark. I do not want to look back three years from now and ask myself what I have truly done.”

Big things are bound to happen with the dynamic Nkagisang in charge and his determination and personality are apparent in his closing statement:

“The biggest lesson that I can give is that humility attracts and arrogance  repels. Yes, I have achieved a lot but there is still so much more to do and to learn.”

  Interesting facts about Oupa

Hobbies: Watching movies, watching sports, reading.

Top 3 foods: Pap with tomato relish and steak; dumpling and oxtail, and braaivleis

Top 3 places: Disneyland (United States), New Zealand and Hong Kong

Top 3 people: Barack Obama, Richard Branson and my mom, Anna.