SAM DALLING: In the form of a fundraiser to help aid his recovery, there has been light in the gloom, acts of kindness to restore faith in people’s generosity, in their spirit and sense of right
It is only sad that it so often takes the worst of humanity to bring out the best.
For 72 hours or so, North Petherton CC’s overseas star Mondli Khumalo was fighting for his life. It is not hyperbolic to write that several times it was almost lost: Mondli’s skull fractured after he was struck in the early hours of last Sunday (May 29) morning, leaving him in a medically induced coma at Bristol’s Southmead hospital until Thursday (June 2) afternoon.
Three times he underwent surgery to remove pressure on the brain caused by blood clots. Prior to the last operation, agent Rob Humphries and teammate Lloyd Irish were asked to pop up to see Mondli. Just in case.
What has come since the incident has been spine-tingling. The response of the cricket community was as swift, as it was heartfelt. Unity, a collective sense of shock, followed by a collective bout of generosity. It has moved those involved, and those not.
Humphries is Norwich based but as soon as the news reached, he travelled the breadth of the country. He has not left Mondli’s side since. An agent yes, but a friend foremost.
Irish plays with Mondli - who represented South Africa Under-19s at the 2020 World Cup and holds a contract with KwaZulu-Natal - at North Petherton.
During just a month or so in Somerset, Mondli’s impact has been notable. An outstanding cricketer but someone who is also unanimously regarded as an outstanding human.
Saturday (May 29) night was a celebration of victory earlier that day, and Mondli was fizzing with excitement at the prospect of batting up the order on Sunday. But come game time, Mondli was nowhere to be seen. It was through an online news article that the near-tragic incident came to light.
North Petherton CC (@northpetherton/Instagram)
Everyone at the club has been hit hard. Mondli is a young man who came to these shores to simply play cricket. How can this happen? As Irish so aptly described it, that Mondli could not safely enjoy an evening out in Bridgwater is "embarrassing".
But there has been light in the gloom, acts of kindness to restore faith in people’s generosity, in their spirit and sense of right.
He has thrown himself into coaching duties at North Petherton’s youth section, the soul and heart of every club. The kids idolise him; the parents adore him.
One such admirer is Chantelle Lawrence who started a fundraiser to aid his recovery that has already raised over £22,000. Chantelle appeared on Charlie Taylor’s Cricket Show midweek barely able to speak. Her sense of disbelief represented the feelings of many.
Jos Buttler, Kevin Pietersen and David 'Bumble' Lloyd have all shared the appeal, as have dozens of clubs nationwide. The 700 plus backers include county pros, a variety of amateur outfits and England internationals. They include people from the local area and those from much farther afield. An astonishing amount gathered so rapidly.
North Petherton's opposition on Saturday (June 4), Taunton Cricket Club, hosted a post-match BBQ raising £300 for the cause, while neighbouring Bridgwater Cricket Club donated £120 in fines. Cricket South Africa have chipped in £5,000, while Friday’s (June 3) T20 clash between Somerset and Glamorgan raised £1,400. Trade Nation, Somerset’s livestream sponsors, donate £50 for every six during home T20 matches, plus an extra £100 each time the ball leaves the ground.
It was Tom Banton’s turn to select the benefactor: when he heard of Mondli’s plight, his decision was instantaneous.
Before the game, a torrential downpour led to some nervous glances. But by 7pm the only thing it rained was sixes: 24 in total, with two threatening the fruit and vegetable aisle of a neighbouring supermarket.
Banton himself contributed a trio. Will Smeed added eight in an outstanding knock of 91 and Glamorgan chipped in with 10 of their own.
Tom Banton and Will Smeed answered the fundraising call against Glamorgan (Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Each and every one of those was cheered by an enthusiastic crowd. The loudest decibel levels came from the corner where Mondli’s North Petherton teammates had gathered.
Mondli’s family will shortly be en route. Comforting given he is now asking for him. They may not yet fully comprehend the seriousness of the situation, and in some ways, it is a blessing they did not see him at his worst. Passports and visas were fast-tracked with the aid of the KNZCU and CSA.
The Cricketer understands his mum has never left her township before. Adapting to new surroundings will present further challenges to an already near-impossible situation. But on arrival, she will see that while Mondli was thousands of miles from loved ones, he has been surrounded by love.
North Petherton officials have been inundated with offers to help in any which way they can. Western Storm offered to send players to cover Mondli’s coaching sessions. One generous soul is covering the family’s accommodation costs for the entirety of their stay. This person has no relationship to Mondli, nor are they affiliated with the club.
The only reason for the offer - and it is the best reason of them all - is to do good. To see the suffering of others and react with ‘"what can I do?" To that someone, and the countless others who have offered to help, a hearty thank you. We can all learn something from such an act of humanity.
Mondli is through the worst now, even remarking on the Test match from his hospital bed. Doctors are both delighted and staggered at the progress made. But they have emphasised that recovery will be a long road. It might be months or even years. Mondli may have to start from the beginning again. One person’s momentary actions have had devastating, lasting consequences.
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