Malcolm Nofal aims to give back to South African cricket

After a successful career in New Zealand, Malcolm Nofal has returned to South Africa to ply his trade at Easterns with the aim of growing their trophy cabinet and giving back to the place he calls home, writes Abhai Sawkar.

The urge to succeed is always strong and palpable. At times, this urge may involve reaching difficult decisions. It may not be an easy road to follow, but patience and perseverance are key qualities to have.

After gradually finding traction, it’s time to commit to pursuing your dreams. Such has been the story of Johannesburg-born Malcolm Nofal. Finding a way amidst tough situations has become second nature.

Nofal, a batting allrounder who combines his style as a left-handed batsman with tidy left-arm spin, initially gained plenty of accolades through school cricket. He went to the prestigious King Edward VII High School, and made groundbreaking progress – he made it to the first XI relatively early on.

“It all started in the park with my brothers at the age of 6, with an introduction to body line bowling, and getting pipped on the nose with 3 short legs close by,” says Nofal to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

“I went to KES – making the first team at the end of grade 9 and being named in the U19 World Cup squad in my matric year [2009] are definitely highlights from early on.”

By the time he graduated, Nofal had been chosen to play in the 2010 U19 World Cup, which was held in New Zealand, where the Proteas would finish in fifth-place. It was a memorable time and a privilege to have taken part, as well as a reality check from time to time.

“Playing against the best Under-19 players in the world was a truly humbling experience in itself and it shows where you’re at an international level. As a cricketer, you should never get too comfortable, because as soon as you feel you’re on top, Mother Cricket teaches you a few important lessons,” quips Nofal. “You have to always stay hungry and strive to constantly improve.”

Following a decent outing in the Under-19 World Cup, Nofal was looking to potentially earn his big break in domestic cricket, starting at provincial level for his home side, Gauteng, which is in the catchment area for the Lions franchise team. Earning game time didn’t come by easy for the rising youngster, and he often struggled to find consistency in first-class cricket.

Over the course of time from the end of the 2010 Under-19 World Cup to the end of the 2013-14 provincial season, Nofal had just 11 first-class games, 13 50-over games, and two T20s under his belt.

The paucity of much-needed exposure, as well as growing competition, meant that his chances of staking a claim were jeopardized. However, that never deterred his strong sense of optimism and constant pursuit for excellence. In 2015, following some deliberation, he decided to switch gears and relocate to New Zealand to continue his quest.

“It was an exciting and straightforward decision to move. I had a contact through Grant Elliott and Andrew Kramer who suggested I give it a crack in New Zealand and I was keen to take that opportunity. The hospitality and welcoming of the New Zealand culture was wonderful and helped me gradually adjust from being away from home. Difficulties included going over on my own and embracing the unknown of the whole experience.”

It was no secret that it was a new environment to get used to, but it was time for Nofal to get back to work right from the outset. He settled in the capital city of Wellington, and soon immersed himself in the club cricket scene. It was his exploits across the first three seasons that would eventually pave the path to earning his first professional contract in New Zealand, with the Wellington Firebirds.

“Before I played for the Firebirds I played for a cricket club in Wellington called Onslow. It was unbelievable, a very special place for me to play and learn. They became like family to me.”

For the 2017-18 season, Nofal was contracted to the Firebirds, and it couldn’t have been a more impeccable start. He debuted in the Ford Trophy (the 50-over competition) and scored his first century opening the batting, which helped ace a chase against Otago.

While it wasn’t an ideal tournament from a team perspective, Nofal announced himself resolutely to become a mainstay as well as open more doors, one of which included a first-class debut.

Nofal’s first game in the Plunket Shield was against the Central Stags, and right from the outset, he strung together his best first-class knock ever batting at 7. Without a doubt, it’s something he prizes to this day.

“I’d say my fondest memory would be my debut Plunket Shield 4-day game at the Basin Reserve because that was my maiden first class ton, scoring 179. Off the field memories will always include spending time with the team on the road, celebrating each other’s successes.”

Another major highlight would definitely have to be the 2018-19 Ford Trophy. This time around, Nofal was shifted to the middle order and bowled more frequently, too. Wellington benefited from his economical containing spells as well as his calm approach with the bat. Out of the three half-centuries he scored, the third couldn’t have happened at a more opportune juncture. In the final against Otago, Nofal came in at 6 and built a solid knock of 73 from 96 to clinch a rather nervous chase of 235.

In the recently completed 2019-20 season, Nofal contributed to a greater extent with the ball in the longer format and got some more game time in the Dream11 Super Smash, the T20 tournament. However, 50-over cricket in New Zealand continuously brought out the best in him, and the stats back it up: he averaged 41 with the bat and 31 with the ball through three seasons.

However, towards the end of the season, there was a marked change in circumstances for the 28-year-old. As much as he’d made significant headway in his new cricketing journey in New Zealand and dreamed of potentially reaching his international ambitions, Nofal was always longing to spend more time close to family.

As a result, his cricket in Wellington would soon come to an end, and by March, he was homeward bound, back to Johannesburg. Then again, New Zealand has been the place where he’s flourished as a cricketer and he’ll always be grateful and appreciative for the cherished moments.

“I was missing my family and ultimately I knew the decision [of returning home to South Africa] was inevitable. The best thing [about my experiences in NZ] was having another family I created there, and I’ve learned plenty about myself both on and off the field.”

The return home has given Nofal the priceless quality time to be close to loved ones and good friends. Cricket aside, he’s also a skilled photographer, and has taken several picturesque snapshots of sceneries and wildlife from both New Zealand and South Africa (from the beautiful views of Wellington to Kruger National Park and much more, you can find the entire collection right here).

“It feels unbelievably good to be back in South Africa, and it is always going to be home. Everything is going well considering the adaptation to the virus and the lockdown situation. We’ve been working closely with our fitness trainer, Zane Webster, who has been committed to making sure we stay on top of our fitness, stay at home workouts with lots of cardio. Right now my favourite pastimes are staying in touch with family and friends during these weird times we find ourselves in.”

Upon his arrival, Nofal is on track to make a re-entry to the South African domestic scene. He is one of eleven players that Easterns signed in late April.

Easterns have enjoyed a prolific past couple of seasons, winning trophies across all three formats. They have a new-look squad for the 2020-21 season due to the departure of a few players, and this will provide plenty of incentive for Nofal to perform. He brings plenty to the table, including a wide spectrum of fruitful experiences of playing club cricket abroad.

“I have also played in Holland, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Conditions there are very different from here at home, and wearing 3 layers every Saturday needs some getting used to.”

The nationwide lockdown measures have forced a postponement for the pre-season training schedule, but with restrictions gradually easing up, the return to action is imminent. Nofal is as ready as he can be and raring to create a solid impression. Once again, it’s a new beginning – embracing challenges and taking full toll of early opportunities presented is something he’s excelled in over the years.

Coming in as an experienced campaigner, he’s set his sights on maintaining consistency as well as providing key guidance for the up-and-coming.

Also a CSA-certified Level 2 coach, Nofal is more than excited to give back to the game he’s enjoyed since childhood.

“Coronavirus has definitely thrown a few spanners in the works. The plan at the moment is winter training and gearing up for our 2020-21 season. We plan to gather as a squad as soon as we’re able to and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m also looking forward to contributing to a very successful Easterns side with bat and ball as well as helping the youngsters in my actions. I’m always keen to grab more silverware in the upcoming seasons.”

Nofal’s cricketing timeline has been quite intriguing and unique, but more importantly, it’s characterized by assertive decision-making skills for the better.

It may sound very cliche, but everything happened for a reason. Compromises had to be made, but on each occasion, he has reaped the benefits. From Johannesburg to Wellington and back, the vigour for the game and positivity have remained stronger than ever, in addition to his on-field versatility.

With a strong platform established and robust mind space, a breakthrough upcoming season could well and truly put him within close proximity of the franchise circuit or even the MSL, a very fitting reward for the tireless hard work.