Top 10 Footballers Houses – Zwane, Lorch, Saleng | Then and Now

South African football has evolved drastically over the years, and so have the lives of its stars.

From humble beginnings in township streets to luxurious homes in the suburbs, players like Themba Zwane, Thembinkosi Lorch, and Monnapule Saleng have not only transformed their careers but also their lifestyles.

Their journeys reflect more than just goals and trophies—it’s a shift in identity, taste, and the rewards of dedication to the game.

In the early 2010s, many South African footballers still lived in modest conditions, often residing close to where they grew up.

Themba Zwane, who made his professional debut with Mamelodi Sundowns, was known to be one of the most grounded players in the league.

Born in Tembisa, a township in the East Rand, Zwane grew up in a modest home with little luxury.

At the time, he had only one dream—to make it as a professional footballer and support his family.

Now in his mid-thirties, Zwane is one of the most celebrated midfielders in the PSL and has a house to match his status.

He currently lives in a multi-million rand mansion located in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.

The house is complete with modern furnishings, high ceilings, a swimming pool, and a garage that stores his collection of luxury vehicles.

It’s a far cry from the simple two-bedroom home he once shared with his siblings.

Thembinkosi Lorch is another player whose real estate story mirrors his rise in South African football.

Originally from Bloemfontein, Lorch had to move between clubs and cities during his early career.

His early living spaces were often temporary and functional rather than comfortable.

At one point, he even lived in a shared flat with fellow players during his stint at Maluti FET College FC.

Today, Lorch owns a modern, double-storey home located in Gauteng.

The home is sleek and minimalist, with black and white interior decor, a private gym, and a gaming lounge.

Lorch has always had a flair for the fashionable, and his home is no different—it reflects his personality, combining style with comfort.

He is often seen sharing glimpses of his lifestyle on social media, giving fans a taste of how far he has come.

Monnapule Saleng, the Orlando Pirates forward, is one of the more recent success stories.

Coming from a small town in the Free State province, Saleng’s early life was defined by financial struggle.

In interviews, he often credits his mother’s strength and sacrifice for keeping the family afloat.

When he first broke into professional football, Saleng lived in a rented apartment and focused primarily on training and saving money.

After gaining prominence with his performances at Pirates and Bafana Bafana, Saleng invested in a beautiful home that symbolizes his hard work.

While he remains more private than his peers, images have surfaced of his house—complete with a manicured garden, patio space, and contemporary interiors that reflect his newfound taste in modern architecture.

But it’s not just the current stars that have undergone such transformations.

Veteran players like Siphiwe Tshabalala and Teko Modise also transitioned from township homes to upscale residences.

Tshabalala, remembered for his 2010 World Cup goal, now lives in a house that balances traditional African design with modern elements.

Teko Modise, known as “The General,” took things even further with a mansion that includes a home theater, wine cellar, and indoor pool.

Even young stars like Njabulo Blom and Relebohile Mofokeng are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their careers, investing in real estate early on.

Blom, who recently moved abroad, purchased a property for his family before leaving South Africa.

His house, while not flashy, is comfortable and serves as a gift to his parents who supported him throughout his development.

Mofokeng, still in his teens, has already begun the process of scouting properties, with mentorship from senior teammates guiding him toward smart financial choices.

The transformation of footballers’ homes is not just about wealth—it’s a symbol of legacy and achievement.

For many of these players, the first house they buy isn’t even for themselves.

It’s for their parents, their siblings, or their children.

It’s a promise kept after years of running drills under the sun, traveling by bus to away games, and missing out on social life for training camps.

Their homes reflect not only their personal tastes but their cultural roots and the values they carry.

Most of these footballers choose to invest in quiet suburbs outside the hustle of Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Areas like Midrand, Fourways, and Centurion have become footballer favorites due to their security, space, and exclusivity.

Many also build customized homes from scratch, ensuring their properties have personal touches—whether it’s an indoor gym, recording studio, or prayer room.

Others collaborate with local designers to create spaces that are proudly South African, blending heritage with modernity.

What’s also worth noting is how these houses are no longer just private sanctuaries.

Through social media, fans have been given virtual tours of their favorite players’ homes.

Instagram stories reveal backyard braais, children’s birthday parties, and late-night workouts.

It’s not just about flaunting—it’s about connection.

These glimpses make fans feel like they’re part of the journey, seeing their icons in everyday moments.

In the past, retired players often faced financial hardship, with some having to sell their homes or downsize dramatically.

Now, with better financial education and player unions stepping in, many athletes are making long-term investments.

Some have diversified into property development, owning multiple homes for rental income or holiday stays.

Thembinkosi Lorch, for example, is reportedly exploring opportunities in real estate beyond football, ensuring his lifestyle is sustainable after retirement.

The evolution from cramped township rooms to sprawling luxury estates tells a broader story about the transformation of South African football.

It’s about more than just money.

It’s about opportunity, smart choices, and resilience.

From Zwane’s serene garden view to Saleng’s minimalist sanctuary, these homes are not just structures—they’re symbols of success, hope, and growth.

For young boys playing barefoot on gravel today, these stories offer a vision of what could be.

And for the rest of us, they are a reminder that dreams, no matter how distant, can become walls and windows—brick by brick, goal by goal.