THE RISE OF RABADA
Since bursting onto the scene, South Africa’s fastbowling sensation Kagiso Rabada has continued to dominate. His on-field exploits have translated to off-field recognition with mega brands coming on board. The talented 23-year-old talks of managing his headspace with such a high profile at a young age and, despite the heights he has already scaled, is only just getting started
TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE GQ LAST CAUGHT UP with rising superstar Kagiso Rabada in Cape Town. South Africa has never been short of premier fast bowlers, but Rabada has ‘future legend’ written all over him. He scooped six gongs for the second time at the 2018 Cricket South Africa Awards and the coveted title of South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year. As a fearsome striker bowler, who channels his inner-warrior on the field and treads a fine line, he courted controversy during the tempestuous test series against Australia and was initially banned after being found guilty of deliberately making contact with opposing captain Steve Smith’s shoulder. The speedster, whose passion is palpable, has taken the good with the bad and come out better for it, as he’s matured as a man.
‘The past season was a good one for the team and I’m happy with how I played on a personal front, although I always feel like there is plenty of room for improvement,’ Rabada tells GQ. ‘I am hard on myself because I set really high standards. However, you live and learn and I would now rather look at what I do well and build on my strengths... In order to become a better man, I believe you have to gain an understanding of yourself,’ Rabada says, as he takes a sip of his double whisky on the rocks, post-shoot. ‘Being confident within yourself and at peace with who you are is important. My grandfather taught me many things and I am strong today because of what he has taught me.’
When South Africa won the test series against Australia last April, Ntatemogolo (Setswana for ‘grandad’) was at the Wanderers to witness his grandson’s man-of-the-series crowning.
It was a seismic moment for the family. ‘I don’t think that in his wildest dreams he would have imagined being in a cricket stadium watching one of his grandchildren. It taught me to expect the unexpected.’ Instead of being shy and apologetic when it comes to off-field opportunities like endorsements and photo shoots, Rabada has learnt to embrace it. The man nicknamed KG is the first South African cricketer to join the Red Bull stable and is a brand ambassador for Adidas, Tag Heuer and Vaseline. With his match-winning performances between the boundary ropes and his clean-cut image away from the field, he is any marketer’s dream. Rabada understands the significance of partnering with iconic companies and is aware of the value of building his brand and preparing for life after cricket.
‘Endorsements represent the business side of sport and you have to focus on that aspect because a cricket career doesn’t last forever,’ he says. ‘In terms of managing my money, I have a banker and am trying to learn as much as possible in that space. Much like cricket, the business world comes down to communication. I have learnt that it’s about talking to different people and networking.’
However, Rabada reveals his ongoing success is underpinned by keeping his inner circle small and he has not deviated from said approach »
since we last spoke. ‘They are a lot of people that you will meet, work with and get to know, but the bottom line is that not all of them can be close to your heart. You don’t have to treat anyone badly and it doesn’t mean you can’t get along with everyone, but it’s important to have a few friends who are going to be there with you through thick and thin.’
I ask Rabada, with his boyish charm and good looks, whether there is a special someone in his life. ‘At the moment, there is no one,’ he reveals ‘and when it comes to relationships you have to meet the right person. I have seen people in the past, but ultimately it hasn’t worked out. I haven’t really dated much, but I’m in no rush because I’m still quite young and at this stage my career comes first.’
As his career has evolved, so too has his sense of style. Rabada is a well-groomed gentleman and takes pride in terms of his appearance. He cleans up well when not seen in his green cap and national team garb. Like the man himself, his grooming routine is simplistic yet effective. It includes taking care of his skin, keeping his hair trimmed and splashing on his favourite
Tom Ford cologne to stay fresh.
Proteas captain Faf du Plessis is the style aficionado in the team, but Rabada is fast cultivating a predilection for high fashion. ‘I think I am developing an eye for fashion and I’m starting to notice that the finer details are what make an outfit pop,’ Rabada says. ‘When you are exposed to shoots and different types of clothing, it broadens your mind and gives you a sense of what looks good on you and what you can build up to create your own style. I like clothes that are not too old, but also not too young. In terms of my personal style, I would say I enjoy timeless looks and when choosing a suit, for instance, the material and fit is very important. When you understand fashion it can be seen as a representation of someone’s personality. You can gain a certain idea of someone by the way in which they dress.’
When I broach the subject of the upcoming 2019 Cricket World Cup in the UK, Rabada’s demeanour changes and he slips back into serious game mode. South Africa is far from the favourite ahead of the showpiece event, but Rabada believes the Proteas have a shot at glory if the puzzle pieces fall into place in the 50-over format. A blend of youth and experience in the side is set to prove pivotal.
‘I feel our current ODI side is an infusion of young and old. Some young guns are finding their feet, but sort of stumbling along the way and the experienced campaigners are playing well, but not to the best of their abilities, so it’s almost like we just need that final push. We are more than capable of coming together as a team and I would love to be part of a World Cupwinning squad this year.’