Bringing together the world of soccer and fashion, Keagan Buchanan gives us a look behind the scenes of his journey
With a sporting career spanning 14 years, numerous nail-biting moments on the field and injuries that were sure to bench him, Keagan Buchanan has proven that his love of the game runs deep. One look at his social media pages, though, will tell you that off the field his interests take on a slightly different, more fashionable direction.
He’s well-known for his individual and impeccable fashion sense, for designing his own clothing and getting tailors to make the garments. Now he’s launched his own brand of luxury athleisure wear, Nine One.
Dressed in his comfiest sweater set following our cover shoot, with the delicious smell of coffee wafting all around, Keagan wastes no time in discussing everything that inspires him about entering the world of fashion. No prompting or prepared questions are required as he talks with passion and enthusiasm.
As a young boy living in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. Keagan says his very first inspiration was singer Pharrell Williams. “The reason I have tattoos is because of Pharrell!”
It’s Pharrell’s journey from artist to producer and eventual fashion mogul as creative director at Louis Vuitton that inspires Keagan, and he hopes that one day he can follow a similar path.
“If I weren’t a footballer I’d be doing exactly what I’m doing now. In Grade 11 I did my job shadowing at ad agency! Ogilvy and so l always knew that I would be doing something in the creative space. I think I always knew that my path would lead me here.”
A self-proclaimed perfectionist, he is involved in every aspect of his fashion label, from styling the photo shoots and editing images to curating lookbooks.
“Normally, from 12 to 3 o’clock at night l’m just sitting and designing. I’m doing mock-ups or looking for inspiration for what I want to do, and trying to design stuff for the T-shirts that’s not taking someone else’s ideas.”
Taking on adversity
Fellow soccer player Kamohelo Mokotjo may have coined the name ‘The Fixer’ for Keagan, but his story of resilience and drive proves that he should be called The Fighter’ instead. Fighting for every opportunity and proving his naysayers wrong is something Keagan is accustomed to.
Having suffered three ACL injuries (one of the key ligaments that stabilise the knee join), he’s proven to critics that with determination and hard work he could recover and return to the game he loves so much each and every time.
The best advice Keagan received was from his father following his very first ACL injury while playing for Bloemfontein Celtic. He was encouraged to work hard, rise above the setback and concentrate on what comes next.
“I think my dad was just trying to say to me that this has happened and there’s nothing you can do to change it – you need to accept this and think of how you can come back better and think of how you can turn this negative into a positive. Many players do not come back from this injury, Not a lot of players can do it, and so I’ve always implemented that advice in my life.”
Describing the highlight of his career, Keagan immediately recalls the Celtics versus Mamelodi Sundowns game in 2015. “Sundowns at the time had a star-studded team and no one gave us a chance. We were a top-six team, but not on the level of Sundowns and Chiefs at that time – and we beat them 5-0! I had two assists and received Man of the Match. It’s such an important memory for me because I had come from my first ACL surgery, and it was such a sweet moment for me.”
Keagan has proven time and time again that he is able to get back up, no matter the challenge. Following his third ACL injury, many thought that this was it for his career. Critics and fans wrote him off and yet this only fueled his determination.
“People were saying on Twitter that it’s unlucky, and that just motivated me to prove them wrong. I hsad the best season of my career at Maritzburg United. That season I came back…I was flying!”
Always looking to find the silver lining is intrinsically tied to faith for Keagan. “Everything happens for a reason, and whatever’s happening is going to shape me to take me where l’m supposed to go. You have to be grateful for the small blessings, but also know that nothing is going to be smooth.”
Staying grounded is important too. “I tell people all the time that I’m just a normal person. I just kick a ball for living – that doesn’t make me special. We are both human beings. There’s no difference between you and I.”
Also read: Marc Buckner: The man behind the roses
What’s next?
While Keagan has been concentrating on his passion for fashion, he reassures us that he isn’t ready to hang up his soccer boots just yet. The game is still his first love. “I just want to enjoy my football. I want to remain injury free and to play consistently. I want to be happy and content and just enjoy myself on the field.”
Having lived all over the country since beginning his soccer career at 15 years old, he’s ready to settle down in Cape Town with his wife Cleo and baby boy. When asked to describe himself, he simply says “husband, father and footballer” (in that order).
Fast facts
Age: 34
DOB: 3 April 1994
Position: Midfielder
Languages: English, IsiZulu, isiXhosa
Current team: Cape Town Spurs
Secret talent: Cooking the best crayfish potjie
Visit the website to see his collection: nineoneclo.com
Instagram: @keagzxbuchanan / @nineoneclo
By: Rughsaar Bibi Ismail
Photography by: Zhann Solomons
