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Last week, Siya and Rachel Kolisi announced their separation, emphasizing mutual respect, continued friendship, and commitment to co-parenting their children.
Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel shocked fans with their announcement to part ways after more than a decade together.
The news, which surfaced through a heartfelt Instagram post, highlighted a split grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to co-parenting.
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21:30 - 26.10.2024
Siya Kolisi: The millions his wife will receive after divorce from Springboks captain
South Africa’s prominent couple Siya and Rachel Kolisi announced their mutual separation pledging continued partnership in co-parenting and charity.
The couple, known for their seemingly inseparable bond and public displays of affection, now face a future apart and fans are left reflecting on the signs that perhaps foretold this outcome.
"We wanted to share some important news with you," they wrote in a joint statement.
"After much reflection and open conversation, we have mutually decided to end our marriage. This decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding, and this is the best part forward for both of us."
Rachel, a businesswoman and fitness enthusiast, elaborated on their plans for the future, affirming, "Siya and I remain good friends and will continue to co-parent our children."
Their children, Nicholas Siyamthanda, born in 2015, and Keziah, born in 2017, will remain the central focus of their new dynamic as co-parents.
The couple's journey began at a dinner party in Stellenbosch in 2012. From friendship, their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage in 2016.
Kolisi once admitted to feeling nervous about asking Rachel out, but he eventually took the plunge.
"I knew I liked her and had to tell her. It was scary," he recalled on their wedding website.
"I asked her to lunch, and that's when I told her. She played hard to get in the beginning but eventually admitted it as well. The rest is history."
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11:00 - 28.10.2024
Siya Kolisi returns to social media after divorce announcement with powerful message
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi returned to social media after his divorce announcement, celebrating a Sharks victory and reaffirming his commitment to family, rugby, and community through the Kolisi Foundation.
Their marriage, however, was not always smooth sailing.
In Kolisi’s biopic Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story, the sports star opened up about his challenging journey from a harsh upbringing to the global rugby stage.
Rachel, on her end, also shared her side, recounting moments of difficulty.
"Being with him was horrible. It was torture," Rachel said of the early days when Siya’s newfound fame posed challenges to their relationship.
It took time, patience, and, eventually, a strong ultimatum from Rachel to steer their marriage into more stable waters.
Signs of cracks surfaced sporadically over the years, with Rachel’s public outbursts often giving fans a glimpse into their private struggles.
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15:10 - 26.10.2024
Kabras Sugar to begin Kenya Cup title defence against Impala as 2024/2025 Kenya Cup fixtures are released
Kabras will begin their Kenya Cup defence when they face Impala, who earned promotion back to the top flight, while KCB will also be taking on another newly promoted side South Coast Pirates.
In 2018, she took to social media to address a fan who referred to Siya as "her type," and later publicly reacted to South African celebrity Lorna Maseko discussing Siya on her show.
"My face is so red because I am so angry," Rachel declared on Instagram, in a moment that sparked both support and concern from fans.
The intensity of these moments underscored her fierce loyalty and desire to protect their marriage, despite the difficulties.
In a more publicized incident, Rachel lashed out at fitness model Marike Botha for allegedly sending Siya risqué photos, leading to a heated Instagram exchange.
Marike later claimed that Siya had initially contacted her via social media. While the couple appeared to overcome these incidents and presented a united front, the underlying tensions were apparent to those close to them.
Their personal lives became further entwined with their professional journey when they founded the Kolisi Foundation in 2020, a nonprofit organization focused on community upliftment.
Together, they also extended their family by adopting Siya's siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, who had experienced years in foster care.
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20:00 - 28.10.2024
Elgon Cup postponed as Kenya and Uganda adjust for World Cup path
Kenya and Uganda have rescheduled the 2024 Elgon Cup, adjusting dates and venues for the highly anticipated rugby showdown.
Despite their best efforts to heal and grow, the pressures of public life may have taken their toll.
Following Siya’s 2023 World Cup victory, the family briefly relocated to France before ultimately returning to South Africa to settle in Durban.
Though they appeared to be enjoying their life together, sharing joyful photos from a safari trip just weeks before the announcement, fans now wonder if these moments were merely a fleeting escape from deeper challenges.
For now, Siya and Rachel have chosen to keep the comments section closed on their Instagram, while their Facebook pages remain open to fans who continue to express their heartbreak and support.
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