Graeme Smith: Flannels to finance

Four years ago, Graeme Smith was leading South Africa in the 2011 World Cup, grappling against Zaheer Khan’s hold on him and trying to break his team’s big trophy jinx. That did not happen. But Smith had a rewarding career otherwise. He captained South Africa in 109 Tests, the most in cricket, and also led them to 53 wins, again a world record. So while an ankle injury hastened his exit from the sport last year, Smith could not have had too many complaints about his career.

The dad of three embarked on his post-cricket life without much delay. Smith became the tournament director of South Africa’s T20 domestic competition. He also joined financial services company Momentum, sponsors of South Africa’s ODI and women’s team.

One of Smith’s first assignments was as the M2E bursary scheme, a joint venture between Momentum and the South African cricket association to provide for the financial and educational needs of promising but cashstrapped junior cricketers.

“My passion is obviously cricket, however, with Momentum, I have the chance to step up my contribution. I am confident I have the leadership capability to add value to the company,” Smith said when he stepped into the role. You can say he showed a bit of it on the field.