Trevor Manuel leads 2027 Cricket World Cup LOC as venues get major upgrades
Trevor Manuel to Steer 2027 Cricket World Cup LOC Board
Seasoned statesman Trevor Manuel—South Africa’s former finance minister—will chair the 2027 Cricket World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC). Tasked with delivering the first men’s World Cup on African soil since 2003, Manuel brings decades of governmental and business know-how to a sport he freely admits is new ground for him. He calls the event a “nation-building exercise” that must leave long-term value for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
A Board Packed With Proven Talent
Seven independent directors, two provincial presidents, two ministry picks and three senior CSA executives round out the 15-member LOC. Their collective résumé includes World Cup football experience, banking leadership and high-level legal skills.
2027 LOC Board at a Glance
Category | Name | Role / Background |
|---|---|---|
Chair | Trevor Manuel | Former SA finance minister |
CSA Presidents | Johannes Adams | Western Province president |
Yunus Bobat | Kwa-Zulu Natal president | |
CSA Board | Vuyani Jarana | CSA board member |
Ministry Nominees | Advocate Philip October | Legal specialist |
Unathi Matthew Tshotwana | Business executive | |
Independents | Herman Bosman | Banking CEO |
Nomfanelo Magwentshu | COO, 2010 FIFA World Cup | |
Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka | Former SA deputy president | |
Ravi Naidoo | Brand strategist | |
Dr Stavros Nicolaou | Ex-CSA interim chair | |
Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC | Senior counsel | |
CSA Executives | Pholetsi Moseki | CSA CEO |
Refentse Shinners | Public affairs head | |
Tjaart van der Walt | CSA COO |
Stadium Upgrades and Drop-In Pitches
Newlands, Wanderers, SuperSport Park and Kingsmead will install drop-in pitches—cheaper than relaying entire squares.
Modern LED floodlights are being fitted, starting with Newlands.
All upgrades target completion during the 2026-27 season, leaving a year to fine-tune surfaces before the World Cup.
Why Drop-In Surfaces?
Cost and consistency. Transportable squares allow high-quality strips to be prepared off-site, reducing disruption and ensuring uniform bounce across venues.
What Happens Next?
The LOC will now finalise match schedules, commercial partnerships and community programmes across the three host nations. With Trevor Manuel at the helm and a deep bench of independent expertise, organisers aim to stage an event that boosts regional tourism, upgrades cricket infrastructure and inspires a new generation of African fans.