Kobus Olivier

Kobus 50+

0 – 22 I was born in South Africa, a only child and teaching was definitely in my genes. Dad was a University lecturer and mom a teacher for kids with special needs.

It was during the Apartheid era and the country was divided with strict laws in place segregating black and white citizens. At all public places such as restaurants, cinemas, toilets and churches there were big signs displayed, reading “Whites Only”
Schools and universities were also separated.
It was a time of strict economic and sport sanctions against South Africa because of the Apartheid system. The ANC (African National Congress) and the Communist party were carrying out terrorist attracts by planting bombs in restaurants and other public places, killing huge numbers of civilians.
The black people lived in townships outside the white areas and city centers and commuted to work in the centers and back home in the evenings.

There was also a border war on the South African border with Angola against the communists, assisted by Cuban soldiers and trained by the Russian military in training camps in Africa. All white South African young men had to do 2 years compulsory military service. Many lost their lives or returned from the Border war with limbs blown off by land mines.
I completed 3 years in the permanent force as a Physical Training Instructor in the Marines, preparing them for war duty. Many of these young men never returned.
During these 3 years the boy in me became a man. I learned how precious life is and how fortunate I am to be able to live a normal life.

In my first year at University the Rainbow Nation was born and Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected president of South Africa. The long walk to freedom has finally ended for Madiba, father of the Nation.
During all this time I played sport and cricket started to become my passion and I dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer.
I spent every free minute practicing and every weekend was spent on the cricket field.
I made a wow to myself at the age of 14 to never drink alcohol or smoke. To this day I have never tasted any alcohol or smoked a cigarette. Yoga, weight training and a healthy lifestyle became a way of life for me.

23 – Graduated from the University of Stellenbosch and completed a post grad diploma in Higher Education at the University of Cape Town.

24 – 25  Teaching in various schools in Cape Town.

26 – 37 Played professional cricket in Scotland and the UK.

37 – 50+ Director of Cricket at University of Cape Town.
National Youth Coach at the Dutch Cricket Board in Amsterdam.
CEO at Cricket Kenya in Nairobi.
5 Years in Dubai as Director at 2 cricket academies.

50+ - April 2018 moved from Dubai to Kyiv.

After a career in cricket , as a player, a coach and an administrator that stretched over 30 years and across Africa, the Middle East and Europe, Kyiv became home a year ago.
People often ask me, why Kyiv? Usually it’s the other way around, people leaving Kyiv.
In 2017 I visited Kyiv 7 times. I felt a energy in this magical city that I have never felt in any of the 35+ countries I have lived in, or visited.

During my first visit to Maidan square I saw a huge banner saying: Freedom is our religion!

On 10 May 1994 Nelson Mandela, Madiba, Father  of the Nation became the first black president of the new South Africa.
The Rainbow Nation. After years and generations under the oppressive apartheid regime the Rainbow Nation was born. I felt the feeling of freedom and unity amongst people of all religions and cultures in my home country.
I was fortunate enough to experience this twice in my life. When I arrived in Kyiv I felt that same feeling of new found freedom and unity amongst the people of Ukraine.
I wanted to be a part of this exciting journey filled with hope and opportunities.

 In the past year living in Kyiv I have met the most creative positive people that I have ever come across. The city is alive with creativity and art in all forms, from trendy little street cafes to traditional Ukranian restaurants where you can indulge in Borscht, Varenyky and Uzvar. The street musicians in Kyiv has to be the best in the world. Truly a magic city.

I am working at Gymnasium A+ as the English Native Speaking teacher. After working in the top schools in Dubai for 5 years, I can honestly say that Gymnasium A+ is the best school that I have ever seen.
I am starting the first ever cricket academy in Ukraine at the school. We already had one cricket camp and will be having another cricket camp in August.

I hope to make a difference and to be a part of Ukrain’s exciting journey on this road to freedom.

#muse4youth