A determined Malcolm Nofal recounts his persevering comeback to professional cricket after a prolonged battle with alcohol and mental health.

The learning process is something that continues for life. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s about ourselves or about others. And while we’re having a conversation, active listening is key. It’s a manifestation of caring and sensitivity – two qualities that should be more prevalent going forward.

Mental health can often be a sensitive talking point. But fortunately, the status quo is starting to change with more and more people feeling ready and encouraged to share their experiences. It’s undeniable that for some, it’s far from easy to be able to openly explain what they’ve been through but it makes them even stronger after they’ve been heard out.

Listening and learning couldn’t be more important, especially listening with the intention to understand. Reading about Malcolm Nofal’s recent past and how things have gradually begun to improve has been very moving. Just inside a year and a half ago, it appeared that the 30-year-old all-rounder was raring to reboot his cricketing career after returning home to South Africa from New Zealand, but there was much, much more to it.

“I loved my time in New Zealand and the people I met, friends I made, and community I built especially in Wellington are definitely factors I will cherish forever,” said Nofal to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

While he had established himself as a regular for the Wellington Firebirds in the domestic scene over in New Zealand, there was an ongoing struggle that frequently held him back, and sadly, it reached a height where he needed to take a step back and reassess his plans going forward.

Hardly halfway through the 2019-20 season, Nofal decided that it was time to wind up and return home to stay closer to loved ones in order to navigate the tougher times.

Initially, he felt that he had the know-how to cope with all that was coming, but it wasn’t long until he realized that he had to seek some much-needed help to embark on the path to recovery. Cricket was his bread and butter, and missing out on a contract renewal was particularly devastating.

Furthermore, considering the fact that he had made plenty of progress, the decision to leave everything behind and start afresh back home wasn’t necessarily the easiest. But after factoring in all the circumstances, it was indeed the right call.

“The decision to come home was slowly creating itself from years back. I knew in my heart that cricket was my flame and I wanted to play internationally, however, although my flame was strong, there was a bigger burning issue. My battle with alcohol and addictive behaviour prevented me from playing my best game, letting my team down and taking my opportunity for granted.

“I have worked very hard and continue to work daily on my sobriety. I was in a very bad way in NZ – especially my last couple of months – and with the support of my Wellington family, I made the decision to come home after my big booze battle cost me my contract. I accept that I didn’t have the tools to help me through my mental state at the time and needed to come home for family, structure and a plan to get my life back on track.”

At times, it seemed like the suffering was inexorable for Nofal, but fortunately, he had a strong support system, with people near and dear to him always ready to go out of their way to help him out. As much as he wanted to play more cricket, he had to employ a more measured approach to tackle his alcohol addiction, which had left him in quite a dark place.

As the common saying goes, the first step when it comes to problem-solving is recognizing that a problem exists. As soon as he realized that he had overestimated his strengths, that was just the start of the process. It was unequivocally a painful realization – as much as Nofal’s never-give-up attitude remained as it was, there came a point where he had to carefully and astutely analyze the situation at hand.

“My last year in NZ was my hardest. I took a huge knock mentally. When I arrived back in SA just before the pandemic hit the globe, I remained in a bad way, although family helped a hell of a lot and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I struggled with my addiction – it’s real and needs to be taken seriously. I obviously knew I still wanted to play cricket and pushed that agenda, but if you don’t put your mental health first, everything else will fall apart.

“I thought I was strong enough, perhaps it was arrogance, but I strongly believed I didn’t have a problem. Something I learned recently is that I suffer from a disease that makes me believe I do not have a disease. And that in itself was very tough.

“I needed help, my partner and family had my back through it all, and that’s how I dealt with it – by dealing with it. I learnt to put pride, disappointment and ego behind me, just play the honest way, and play the game I love.”

Things appeared to take a turn for the better shortly after Nofal arrived in South Africa despite the COVID-19 pandemic raging on. Nearly a couple of months down the road, the Easterns first-class side signed him up for the 2020-21 season and it looked like it would be a smooth transition and straightforward return to the cricketing scene.

But then again, he was in the midst of his healing process and didn’t quite feel very well-equipped to take on the challenge. As a result, another burgeoning contract was relinquished, and this pushed Nofal deeper into a state of quandary. He’s had a burning passion for the game since his early days, and the perfect chance to hit the reset button vanished rather quickly.

Nofal was quickly falling out of love with the game he couldn’t get enough of, and was soon looking at other opportunities outside of cricket to see where he’d be able to have the best shot at prosperity. He had been running a fairly successful photography account on Instagram as a side hustle, and in early 2021, decided to indefinitely shift his focus to his photography and drone venture.

“Yes, I had let down my team at Easterns’ Cricket due to my continuous clash with booze. I had a wonderful opportunity to play back in SA, and I wasn’t ready for it, because I hadn’t dealt with my deep issues, mentally. I unreservedly apologize to my team for that. It wasn’t personal, and there was a bigger problem going on. I lost my contract, and that’s totally understandable.

“I’ve never been the guy for a desk job, I always imagined myself doing something I passionately love, which was cricket, but I had to look at Plan B: what is the next best thing I love spending my time doing? And for me, that was the photography and drone. I needed something to earn my money. And I still love my drone and camera, but we’ll leave that as a hobby.”

The urge to compensate for mistakes made in the past and make adjustments for the better is inherent in human nature. It seemed like a spur-of-the-moment kind of resolution to start something different altogether, but for Nofal, there definitely was unfinished business. His motivation may have hit an all-time low, but he was acutely aware of the fact that he had, albeit unintentionally, disappointed many over the course of the past few months.

There still was the determination to redeem himself and show that he was a changed man compared to the time that had already gone by. There still was a glimmer of hope, but he needed more drive to get back on the field. And there was absolutely no better source of motivation than a sincere, serious, and reinvigorating conversation with his father, whose support for him has always been steadfast through thick and thin.

“My father rekindled my passion to return to playing cricket. After seeking the help I needed and admitting myself into a 28-day rehabilitation programme, the flame for my calling was stronger than ever before, but the embarrassment of who I had let down and what I had potentially done to my name kept me from returning until a heart to heart with my dad. His advice was pretty simple: start at the beginning and see where it takes you, honestly, and here we are.”

The rehab program was, in many ways, the catalyst for Nofal. As he was mentally recuperating, the more ready he felt to plan ahead when it came to cricket. The priceless pep talk with his father brought back plenty of confidence, and the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) were able to help him find additional resources.

“It’s amazing, honestly, my purpose to play just fills me with so much joy and I am so thankful the opportunity is there for me. I prayed for this. As mentioned, I had signed with Easterns but lost my contract at the end of 2020 due to my mental health and untreated disease.

“After a couple more months, I checked myself into rehab and spent 28 days working the 12-step programme, and I continue to do so. It’s a top priority for me. I just want to take this opportunity to thank SACA for helping me get the support I needed. Alongside my family, they have enabled me to make the best decision of my life. Truly, my proudest achievement so far.” 

He had to begin again from the ground up – at this point, he was a free agent in search of a contract for the current 2021-22 season. Another important piece of the puzzle fell in place when his agent reached out to the head coach of one of the teams that would take part in Division 2 of the 4-Day Series – the Limpopo Impalas.

Interestingly enough, it was another bold move for Nofal, and he definitely had a point to prove. For the second time in his career, he explored a place where he had never previously visited and hoped that the team management would be willing to take a chance on him. He may not have been handed a contract, but nonetheless, it was very likely that he’d be a frequent feature in the side. As a result, he fixed his mind on relocating across the country, and since then, there’s been no looking back.

“After coming out of rehab, I planned my next steps for my sober future with my dad. I decided to light my cricket flame again and give my dream one more honest crack for the betterment of me and my partner, Jess. So my agent got to work and found me the opportunity at Limpopo Impalas with head coach Dumisa Makalima.

“I knew him from my Wanderers days when he was in the Lions’ coaching staff. Next, I took a trip to Polokwane – I had never been there before – and met up with him, explained to him my whole story, prayed he understood and trusted me and while he couldn’t offer me a contract, I still took the break and now we live there. It’s been a privilege and I am so grateful.”

Playing for a developing team in the South African domestic circuit was the perfect environment for Nofal. Most of his Limpopo teammates were, in comparison, very early in their careers and the arrival of an experienced professional did their chances a world of good. For starters, they don’t have official first-class status, but it’s exactly that, which serves as a strong incentive to take the initiative in every game.

2021 has been a whirlwind year, and even that’s quite an understatement. From the lowest of lows to making significant headway in the first couple of months of the new season, it all felt like everything was falling in place. And let’s top that off with an official contract in the Mzansi Super League – the country’s flagship franchise T20 league – with the Lions.

It’s almost like a second homecoming for Nofal, who was born and raised in Johannesburg as well as playing his early cricket for Gauteng. Initially, he couldn’t believe it, since he accomplished his ambition to play franchise cricket.

“It was totally unexpected but I accept it with open arms. It’s been a goal of mine to play for the Imperial Lions. I’m eagerly looking forward to learning and sharing the field with some of the best players in the country. I will put in the work to make the best contributions I possibly can. Again, I am so appreciative for any chance to build my career again.”

Despite a rough T20 Cup campaign for the team, Nofal unfurled his reliable consistency when the 4-day tournament began in late October. During the first game, a solid 58 in the first innings followed by a more tenacious, unbeaten 96 in the second innings successfully outlasted the Border bowlers and rescued his side from defeat.

It’s always been about making the most of early opportunities available – as a matter of fact, a debut 179 on his Plunket Shield debut a little over three and a half years ago as well as his commendable outing in his debut match for Limpopo is a testament to his character. He had just come full circle from a testing situation that had consumed much of his self-belief, but he rebounded with exponentially more willpower and got in the groove.

At 220/6, it looked like Limpopo were in dire straits in the fourth innings, but batting through the majority of the final day’s play was not a clear-cut task by any stretch of the imagination. In addition, the Border team had a few players that had often played in the top-tier franchise scene in the recent past. But it was that dauntless outlook that drove Nofal to save the game.

And guess what? He did it again in the next two games, too. Another gritty knock in the second innings set up an indestructible stand alongside the young opening batter Ludwig Kaestner, and they were able to stave off Easterns without a whole lot of difficulty.

And just last week, a crucial 61 from Nofal was worth its weight in gold, as he firmly occupied the crease and kept the Northern Cape bowlers at bay, even though wickets were tumbling around him. He’s even had a chance to contribute with the ball, tallying up 9 wickets so far.

“I’m thrilled to have contributed with the bat for the Limpopo Impalas. I’ve always loved a bit of pressure. The thrill of what mother cricket can throw at you next and how the team requires you to grind as hard as you can always get me going. Your mindset is very important – you’ve done the training and you’ve got to remind yourself of where your feet are and just give it your best effort. When it comes to batting, look to score and give the opponent nothing.”

As much as he’s been thriving under pressure, Nofal wants to maintain relatively relaxed expectations while still retaining the same level of intensity and focus. After starting all over again, he’s very appreciative of everything the game offers. He’s created lots of early momentum, and carrying on in the same fashion for the remainder of the season will definitely be a priority.

He’s full of praise for his new team, and it all adds up – they’ve flipped the scripts on three occasions and drawn all their games. Limpopo might not be the favourites at this point in time, but they’ve shown serious potential. Don’t be surprised when they chalk up their first win of the season as early as the very next game.

“My aim for the remainder of the season would be to just keep enjoying my cricket and staying grateful. At the moment I don’t want to think too far ahead. I’ll take it one day at a time and just give it the best I possibly can. I get to wake up each morning and do something I absolutely love and it’s a real blessing. From a team perspective, I think we were left wanting more from our performance in the T20s.

“We have worked really hard in preparation for the 4-day competition. In all my years of cricket, I have never played for a team that trains as hard as they do and have coaches so invested in the rising of the underdogs. The Limpopo Impalas are so deserving of every performance we have showcased in the 4-day comp so far. I couldn’t be prouder of how we fight like hell to go unbeaten. I think a few more heads have been turned and there’s been a lot more chat about what’s happening in Limpopo.”

And of course, the photography will continue. It all began when Nofal got his first camera when he was in New Zealand, and then slowly got his feet wet with a drone. For the past four years, he’s captured several picturesque locales in New Zealand and South Africa, and it’s fair to say that he’s got the best of both worlds. More recently, he’s added a few snapshots from national parks, including sceneries and animals out and about.

“I really have a passion for capturing a feeling in a moment. It was kind of the plan to share those feelings with people. I bought my first Nikon camera in New Zealand in 2017, thinking I would just capture my travels and the pure beauty of the country. I also had lots of interest in aerial photography, there’s nothing quite like it.

“I bought myself a DJI Mavic Air Drone, and it’s tons of fun to fly. My favourite shots are a close-up of two male lions in the Pilanesberg and most recently heading out early in the morning to capture a whale and its young calf at Umngazi in the Wild Coast from above – truly spectacular. As far as my future plans are concerned, I’ll continue doing it for fun during my spare time.”

Going back to address the elephant in the room, Nofal couldn’t be more emphatic about how important it is to seek assistance when in distress. Self-reliance is an important skill in itself, but knowing your limits is tantamount. There’s no question whatsoever that he’s deserving of every ounce of success that has come his way.

The end of 2021 only got even better when the North County Cricket Club of Ireland signed him as their overseas player for next year’s season. It’s already been a memorable new beginning, but next year will welcome him with a full schedule of cricket.

For Nofal, this turnaround of events still feels quite surreal and he’s gushing with gratitude after all that he’s been through.

“For anyone struggling with their mental health, just know that you are not alone and that you have no reason to hide. Mental health is so important and I will continue to advocate for seeking help when you need it. There is hope. Have the courage to speak out when you’re not feeling okay, whatever the reason may be.

“Being too proud doesn’t get you anywhere. One thing I learnt is the past is in the past and if you are serious about your future and genuinely want help, it can be done – I can’t express how grateful I am for the way things have turned out since I stepped forward and said that I’m not okay. 

“The last few months have been so good. My partner Jess and my Staffie Hardy have followed me to Limpopo to allow me to chase my dream and honestly I am so appreciative. We have an exciting couple of months in-store, with the MSL and an Ireland cricket summer. Bring it on.”

Despite the anguish along the way, two of Nofal’s highly respectable qualities are his decision-making skills and resilience. And on each occasion, he has won the battle.

Since he left home for the first time to start off his new journey in New Zealand and fast-forward to his current stint with the Limpopo Impalas, his adventurous, intrepid disposition has remained as intact as ever. He’s entered uncharted territory for the second time and made a name for himself. This is what champions are made of.

First of all, this transcends the scope of cricket. The Malcolm Nofal story is something we can all learn from. Coming forward and admitting your struggles should never be conflated with weakness because it isn’t.

If anything, it’s a sign of fortitude, responsibility, and humility. Going forward, we need to become better and more empathetic listeners. Even the simplest gesture of kindness can go a long way.

As cliche as it sounds, we’re all in this battle together to #EndTheStigma. Not everyone’s healing process with respect to mental health is linear. We all have feelings, and we must respect each other’s feelings. Setting a good example not only makes a difference, but it’s the greatest gift you can bestow to others.

At the end of the day, the objective is to build a society that is more amicable, supportive, uplifting, and benevolent. When we all put forth our contributions, we will accomplish this goal.