Bowled but not out

The promising cricket talent, once laid low by a debilitating disease, rises to senior management

● Seeing former Warriors allrounder Solo Nqweni in a suit and tie, and managing his new domain, it’s hard to believe that four years ago he was paralysed, unable even to talk. Today he is the GM of one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest attractions, the R500m revamped Boardwalk Mall.

The rare and debilitating autoimmune disorder GuillainBarré syndrome (GBS) had put an end to his cricket career in the UK. In 2019 the disease attacked his peripheral nervous system and caused extreme muscle weakness. Doctors were worried he would never walk or talk again.

But after intensive therapy Nqweni defied the pessimistic diagnoses. He might not be taking to the cricket pitch soon, but the retail business has become his field of opportunity.

He took up his current position a year ago, amid the Boardwalk’s flashy revamp. The mall opened to the public just before the festive season and in December more than a million people walked through its doors.

Nqweni, 29, says his new role is important to him because he was born and raised in Gqeberha.

“The highlight is being able to deliver the world-class development to the city. Jobs have been created, the economy has been stimulated and the community is being served. I’m grateful to be at the wheel, but I am supported by a fantastic team.

“It is difficult to fully settle in retail, as the nature of the business is very dynamic and we find ourselves faced with varying scenarios daily. I enjoy what it asks of me, and the challenge of problem-solving.”

Interestingly, Peter Gerard, chair of Flanagan & Gerard, the company behind the redevelopment, also overcame GBS. When the two met, Nqweni was in a hospital bed. He had just been flown back to South Africa.

Because GBS is rare, Gerard visits new patients to provide encouragement. When he met Nqweni, the former cricketer could not even stand.

“As soon as he was able to