Dating a soccer player sounds glamorous, but it often comes with surprises—both good and bad.
Some of South Africa’s most beloved actresses have taken a chance on love with soccer stars, and the stories behind these relationships are
nothing short of jaw-dropping.
From secret pregnancies to public feuds, these women have seen it all, and fans can’t stop talking about the ups and downs that come with
dating a professional “player.”
Here are 10 South African actresses who dated, loved, and sometimes lost to the game—literally.
1. Amanda Manku and Hendrick Ekstein
Amanda Manku, best known for her role as Dr. Elizabeth on Skeem Saam, once worked as a sportscaster.
That’s how she met soccer player Hendrick Ekstein.
Though Amanda has never officially named her child’s father, the timelines match up—her child was born in 2017, around the same time she
was linked with Ekstein.
Their relationship lasted about three years before calling it quits.
Amanda is now married into the Tana clan and may go by Amanda Mthombeni.
2. Cindy Mahlangu and Bongani Zungu
Actress Cindy Mahlangu, known for Blood & Water and Scandal!, found love with soccer star Bongani Zungu.
Their romance has lasted nearly three years, and in 2022, they welcomed a baby boy.
But their love story hit a rough patch in 2021 after cheating rumors surfaced.
Still, the couple stayed together, though many warned about the unpredictability of soccer stars.
3. Natasha Thahane and Thembinkosi Lorch
Natasha Thahane, granddaughter of Desmond Tutu and star of Blood & Water, couldn’t keep her relationship with Thembinkosi Lorch under
wraps after news of her pregnancy broke.
Now married, Natasha goes by Mrs. Lorch and the couple has embraced their growing family despite initial secrecy.
4. Minnie Dlamini and Itumeleng Khune
Minnie Dlamini’s love life has always made headlines, especially her relationship with Itumeleng Khune.
After their breakup, she married American footballer Quinton Jones—only to later divorce him, revealing that she had been the breadwinner.
She even claimed he demanded spousal support.
Before Minnie, Jones dated Pearl Thusi, adding another layer of celebrity drama.
5. Bonang Matheba and Fatmir Hysenbelliu
Queen B, Bonang Matheba, once dated Albanian footballer Fatmir Hysenbelliu.
Although the romance didn’t last long and they had no children, fans still remember it as a surprising international match.
Bonang continues to dominate entertainment and fashion but leaves her soccer-dating days in the past.
6. Pearl Thusi and Sportsmen Galore
Pearl Thusi has dated more than one man in the sports world.
She had a child with sports advisor Walter Mokoena back in 2007.
Later, she dated broadcaster Robert Marawa and NBA star Serge Ibaka.
Her current relationship status with Ibaka remains unclear, but their chemistry has kept fans curious since 2018.
7. Lalla Hirayama and Soccer Heartbreak
Lalla Hirayama may not be a full-time actress, but she’s acted enough to earn a spot here.
She dated a soccer player starting in 2011 and was even engaged in 2013.
Sadly, her fairytale soured.
Lalla claimed he never took her on holiday and cheated on her multiple times.
She stayed hopeful, but loyalty alone wasn’t enough to save them.
8. Enhle Mbali and Zimbabwean Footballer Kudzai Chikore
Enhle Mbali, known for her role on Isibaya, is more than just an actress—she’s also a director and musician.
She fell in love with Zimbabwean international footballer Kudakwashe Mahachi.
Despite already having a wife in Zimbabwe and a baby mama in South Africa, Mahachi made Enhle his second wife.
Her marriage sparked serious public backlash, but she stood by her decision.
9. Nonku Williams and Soccer Drama
Though a reality star, Nonku Williams’ story is too wild to ignore.
She dated soccer player Dumisani “Josta” Dlala, who was seven years younger.
Nonku once said his salary couldn’t sustain her lifestyle, and things went downhill quickly.
They even had an altercation after she failed to come home one night.
Despite the chaos, they share three children together.
10. Desiree “Dee” Maloyi and the Double Goal
Dee Maloyi might be retired from dating soccer players, but her history is unforgettable.
She has children with not one, but two soccer players—both now teammates at Moroka Swallows.
She humorously refers to them as “blood teammates” since they both scored in the same “goal.”
After all the drama, Dee announced she’s officially done with soccer stars and focusing on her brand.
These women dared to love men who play for a living, and while not all stories ended with fairy tales, each one gave us a glimpse into the
fascinating intersection of fame, love, and football.
And with the way things go in Mzansi, this list might just keep growing.
