8 Mzansi Soccer Stars Who Got Divorced & The Real Reasons Behind Their Breakups

South African football is not only known for its intense matches and passionate fans but also for the personal lives of its stars, which often make headlines.

While many footballers are revered for their on-field talent, their private lives can sometimes reveal a different, more vulnerable side to their public persona.

Over the years, several prominent South African footballers have gone through highly publicized divorces.

These breakups not only shocked their fans but also shed light on the pressures of being in the public eye, as well as the challenges that come with balancing personal relationships and the demanding world of professional football.

Divorces in the football world are common, but the reasons behind these breakups can vary, ranging from the pressures of fame to personal incompatibilities.

While some divorces may be amicable, others have been surrounded by controversy and media frenzy.

Here, we take a closer look at eight Mzansi football stars who have faced the challenges of divorce and the reasons behind their breakups.

Teko Modise
Teko Modise, a former midfielder who became one of South Africa’s most decorated players, has had his fair share of relationship challenges.


Known for his incredible skill and footballing intelligence, Modise’s marriage to his former wife, Priscilla, ended in a highly publicized divorce.

The reasons behind their split were attributed to the pressures of fame and Modise’s busy football schedule.

As a player frequently in the spotlight, Modise’s relationship reportedly suffered due to his time commitments, which left little room for personal life.

The couple tried to make their marriage work, but the emotional strain and the demands of his career eventually took their toll.
Benni McCarthy
Benni McCarthy, one of South Africa’s greatest footballing exports, has also experienced the collapse of a marriage.

The former striker’s marriage to his first wife, Stacey, ended in divorce after years of tumultuous relationship issues.

McCarthy was known for his fiery passion on and off the field, and his marriage reportedly faced strain due to his busy schedule and the pressures of being one of the most famous athletes in the country.

McCarthy himself has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing his professional and personal life, with his football career often demanding more of his time and energy than he could provide at home.
Itumeleng Khune
Itumeleng Khune, South Africa’s celebrated goalkeeper, had a much-publicized relationship with former beauty queen and model, Sbahle Mpisane.Their whirlwind romance ended in divorce, and many speculated that the pressures of fame, jealousy, and public scrutiny played significant roles in the breakdown of their marriage.



The couple had been together for several years before their split, and their breakup became one of the most talked-about celebrity divorces in the country.

While Khune’s commitment to football often took priority, the couple’s relationship ultimately could not withstand the constant pressure and the challenges of a public life.
Thulani Serero
Thulani Serero, the talented midfielder who has made a name for himself in European football, went through a highly publicized divorce from his wife, Cindy.Serero’s busy football career, which took him abroad, was often cited as a contributing factor to their separation.



The distance and time apart created emotional strain, with Cindy allegedly feeling neglected due to his demanding football schedule.

The strain of living apart, combined with the pressures of both their careers, eventually led to the dissolution of their marriage.
Siphiwe Tshabalala
Siphiwe Tshabalala, one of South Africa’s most beloved footballers, is another star who faced marital challenges.Tshabalala’s marriage to his wife, Bontle, ended in divorce after several years of being together.



While the exact reasons for their split remain private, the challenges of balancing a career as a top footballer with personal life were often cited as contributing factors.

Tshabalala’s career required frequent travel, and his popularity as a public figure only added to the strain.

Despite the difficulties, Tshabalala has remained focused on his career and continues to be a prominent figure in South African football.
Steve Komphela
Steve Komphela, the former footballer turned coach, has had his share of personal struggles, including the breakdown of his marriage.

Komphela was married for several years, but his relationship eventually ended in divorce, with both personal and professional pressures playing a part in the separation.

Komphela’s time as a coach, especially in high-pressure environments, meant that he was often away from home, leading to emotional strain.

Additionally, his time in the media spotlight did little to ease the pressures that were already placed on his personal life.

Komphela has always been seen as a private person, and the breakdown of his marriage was something he chose not to publicly delve into, leaving many to speculate on the real reasons behind his divorce.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele
Defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele has also experienced a high-profile marriage breakup.His split from his ex-wife came as a surprise to many, especially given the couple’s seemingly stable relationship.

According to reports, Mphahlele’s career, which has seen him play for some of South Africa’s biggest clubs, was a source of tension in their marriage.



The constant travel and time away from home were reportedly difficult for both parties, and despite their efforts to make it work, the relationship eventually ended.

Mphahlele has since focused on his football career and has remained relatively private about the reasons behind his divorce.
Siyanda Xulu
Siyanda Xulu, a talented defender, has also been through the pain of divorce.The player’s relationship with his former wife, who was also a public figure, ended after several years of marriage.

Much like the others on this list, the pressures of being a professional footballer played a significant role in the breakdown of their marriage.

Xulu’s career required him to move frequently, which put a strain on his relationship.

The combination of physical distance and the emotional toll of a high-profile life led to the eventual separation.

In conclusion, the personal lives of South African football stars are often more complex than they appear on the surface.

While their on-field success is celebrated, their relationships and the reasons behind their divorces reveal the human side of these athletes.

The pressures of fame, constant travel, and the emotional toll of professional sports can sometimes be too much to handle, even for the most accomplished players.

As these eight stars have shown, balancing a demanding career with personal relationships is a challenge that not all can overcome.

Despite the difficulties they have faced, many of these players have continued to thrive in their careers, proving that resilience, both on and off the field, is essential for success.