Grant Kekana: Why Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Star Rocks Black Nails Like Cristiano Ronaldo

• Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana defender Grant Kekana has been rocking black fingernails
• The black nail-painting trend has been seen in other top athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo
• The practice of painting toenails black is not just a fashion statement but a functional one

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender, Grant Kekana, has raised some eyebrows after recently being spotted sporting black nail polish.

This has drawn considerable attention on social media following Sundowns’ recent DStv Premiership title win.

This trend seems to be inspired by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or and Champions League winner, who has also been seen with black-painted toenails.

Ronaldo went viral in February this year for sporting black toenails, a practice he has been seen indulging in since 2023. The reason behind this curious choice, particularly among athletes, appears to be health-related.

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Why athletes wear black nail polish

Due to the rigorous nature of their sports, footballers and other athletes are prone to fungal infections around their toenails. Painting nails black can help combat these infections, per All Football.

The Portuguese often enjoys a post-match sauna on his Instagram, where sharp-eyed fans have noticed his black-painted toenails.

This has led to widespread curiosity and speculation about the reason behind this peculiar habit. However, Ronaldo’s penchant for black toenails isn't just a fashion statement; it's rooted in practicality.

Ronaldo seen with black toenails

He first caught attention for this in January when he posed with former UFC heavyweight fighter Francis Ngannou. The black toenails, it turns out, serve more than just an aesthetic purpose.

According to Men's Health, MMA fighters often paint their toenails black to prevent them from cracking or splitting during combat. Kicks and foot stomps can damage the toenails, and the black polish adds a layer of protection.

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German outlet Bild also reported that athletes use black nail polish to create a protective layer to protect their nails from fungi and bacteria.

Thus, Kekana and Ronaldo's black-painted toenails are more about preventing injuries than making a fashion statement.

Deputy Minister proud after Kekana made AFCON 2023 history

Sports Brief reported that South African Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Pinky Kekana, was radiating with pride after her son, Kekana, contributed to the team's historic journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 semi-finals, a milestone not achieved in 24 years.

Returning from Ivory Coast, the national team proudly displayed their bronze medals to a crowd of soccer enthusiasts at OR Tambo International Airport.

Amid the celebration, Kekana made a heartfelt visit to his mother and shared a proud moment with his family.