Siya and Rachel Kolisi, South Africa’s equivalent of David and Victoria Beckham, have officially announced their divorce, leaving fans in disbelief. Speculation swirls around the Springbok captain’s alleged womanising as a possible factor in their split.
Siya Kolisi has been open about his battles with womanising, pornography, and alcohol. In his own words, he stated, “I had to go to marriage counselling because I couldn’t give everything to my wife; because my heart was so hard.” His honesty highlights the deeper issues that may have affected their marriage.
Rachel walked a different journey as reported, quite opposite but still normal as she found her way independently before meeting Siya.
A timeline of love and challenges
The Kolisi couple’s love story began in 2012 at a dinner party in Stellenbosch, evolving from friendship to romance. In 2015, they welcomed their first child, Nicholas Siyamthanda Kolisi, and shortly after, they embraced Siya’s siblings after a family tragedy. They tied the knot in 2016, celebrating a marriage that represented resilience and love.
Siya made history as the first black captain of the Springboks, leading the team to victory in the Rugby World Cup in 2019. In 2020, the couple founded The Kolisi Foundation to combat inequality in South Africa, and they even relocated to France for Siya’s career with Racing 92. However, after another World Cup win in 2023, they returned to South Africa, where the couple soon announced their separation.
Kolisi: Commitment to co-parenting
Despite their split, Siya and Rachel remain committed to co-parenting and maintaining a respectful friendship. They aim to show that even when love evolves, mutual support and respect can endure. This approach reflects their dedication to their family amidst personal challenges.
Siya has shared his journey of growth, confronting the realities of his upbringing in Zwide, Gqeberha. He remarked, “Growing up in the township, your parents aren’t watching you every minute, and kids end up seeing things they shouldn’t.” His experiences shaped his perspective on relationships and emotional health.
Reflecting on his challenges, Siya noted, “In my community, you see it so many times that it becomes normal. That’s not good, being immune to things like that.” He encourages others to break the cycle of silence surrounding emotional struggles, stating, “You have to speak about it, get through it. That’s why you grew up and your heart is so hard.”
Siya Kolisi’s story serves as a powerful reminder that healing is possible, no matter one’s past. His commitment to transparency aims to inspire others to seek help and foster open conversations about emotional health. As he navigates this new chapter, both he and Rachel Kolisi will undoubtedly continue to impact many lives beyond their personal journey.