Where Makhaya the Man Meets Ntini the Notion

Makhaya Ntini, 48, looks older than his years, but his legacy lives on. He's still being thanked by fans, including a young woman who credits him for inspiring her to play cricket.

The Impact of Ntini's Legacy

Ntini's eyes soften as he speaks about the gratitude he receives. "It means a lot," he says. "It means I opened the path." As South Africa's first black international player, Ntini paved the way for others.

The State of Cricket in South Africa

Since Ntini's Test debut in 1998, only 14 black players have represented South Africa, despite the country's population being 81.7% black. Cricket remains a sport for the rich, and whites are over-represented among the affluent due to systemic racism.

Ntini's Optimism

Despite the ongoing challenges, Ntini believes cricket is becoming more popular in South Africa, especially among black people. "Slowly but steadily it's getting better," he says. He notes that the game is no longer limited to those who can afford to attend stadiums.

Ntini's Pride

Ntini beams with pride as he reflects on South Africa's win in the WTC final. "I saw how many South Africans were at Lord's; it was a home game for us," he says. He's thrilled to see cricket's growing popularity in the country.