Buchanan still adjusting to life as a big Chief in Joburg

JOHANNESBURG: Keagan Buchanan says he doesn’t think he will make it as a Glamour Boy without self-discipline.

Following his first start for Kaizer Chiefs in the goalless match against Orlando Pirates at the weekend, the former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder is learning just how big a deal it is to play for Amakhosi – on and off the pitch.

“It really has been a big adjustment for me,” the 24-yearold explains.

“I came from Bloemfontein to Joburg and suddenly you have to watch your every move, because there is a lot of temptation. You want to be a role model and portray the right image, not that of a superstar who just drives fancy cars and is always at night clubs. I have wanted to be a Chiefs player all my life, because I grew up watching them. Now I have the chance, but I have to be careful of what I do off the field and I need the senior guys who have been at the club longer to show me the way.”

If that’s Buchanan’s attitude, he might just make it.

His performance against Pirates almost went unnoticed, partly because the general feeling was that the Soweto derby failed to sparkle. But Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela thought his off-season recruit held his own alongside Willard Katsande in central midfield, even though he would have loved to see him keep a bit more of the possession.

“He’s an intelligent man,” Buchanan says of Komphela, who pushed to sign the player despite the fact that he was still injured.

“His player management is top class and to him we are never good enough, which is what you want because you will relax if you are told you are the best. His coaching style also suits my game. I am so grateful to him and Bobby (Motaung) for believing in me.

“I got injured in training in November last year by tearing ligaments in my knee, but signing for Chiefs was motivation and gave me that extra push that I needed. They took a risk and I obviously want to repay them for believing in my quality.”

Buchanan is hoping he can build on his performance over the weekend when Chiefs host Baroka FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight. With Komphela’s men boasting a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Buchanan has to double his efforts to keep his place in the starting line-up, especially with George Maluleka back from serving a two-match suspension.