South African Female Celebrities Who Had Children with Soccer Players

Relationships between celebrities and sports stars are often a point of fascination for fans.

In South Africa, many well-known female celebrities have been romantically linked to professional soccer players, resulting in high-profile relationships that the public follows closely. In some cases, these relationships have led to beautiful families and stories of co-parenting.

Here, we explore the lives of five South African celebrities who have had children with prominent soccer players, detailing their relationships, the challenges they faced, and their journey to co-parenting.

1. Natasha Thahane and Thembinkosi Lorch

Natasha Thahane is a celebrated South African actress, best known for her role in the Netflix series Blood & Water.

Known for her stunning beauty and acting skills, Natasha found herself in the public eye for more than just her talent when she began dating Thembinkosi Lorch, a prominent soccer player for the Orlando Pirates. The couple’s relationship quickly became a hot topic, with fans eager to see glimpses of their lives together.

In 2022, Natasha announced the birth of her first child with Lorch, though she chose to keep her baby’s photos private.

Despite this, one image of her child briefly circulated online, delighting fans. The couple’s journey has been a whirlwind, but Natasha remains focused on balancing her career and motherhood, embracing her new role with grace and privacy.

2. Gogo Maweni and Siyabonga Zulu

Gogo Maweni is another South African celebrity who found love with a soccer player, former Mamelodi Sundowns player Siyabonga Zulu.

Known for her presence in South African media, Gogo’s relationship with Zulu attracted significant attention. Their relationship ultimately led to the birth of a son, marking a new chapter in her life.

Though the couple eventually separated, they both took on the role of co-parents, prioritizing their son’s well-being and maintaining a positive relationship.

The journey to co-parenting hasn’t been without its challenges, but Gogo and Zulu continue to share parenting responsibilities, providing a loving and supportive environment for their child.

3. Kelly Khumalo and Senzo Meyiwa

No discussion of South African celebrity relationships with soccer players would be complete without mentioning Kelly Khumalo.

Known for her incredible voice and vibrant personality, Kelly captured the nation’s attention when she began dating Senzo Meyiwa, the late goalkeeper for the Orlando Pirates.

Their relationship, though short-lived, was deeply passionate, and they soon welcomed a daughter together.

Kelly’s relationship with Meyiwa was marked by tragedy. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Senzo was killed, leaving Kelly to raise their daughter on her own.

Following Senzo’s passing, Kelly continued to make headlines when she was romantically linked to another soccer player, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Bongani Zungu.

Though she has faced difficult times, Kelly remains strong, focusing on raising her daughter and continuing her successful music career.

4. Cindy Mahlangu and Bongani Zungu

Cindy Mahlangu is a talented actress best known for her work in South African films and series, including King of Jo’burg.

She met soccer player Bongani Zungu, a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns, and the two quickly became an item. Their relationship blossomed, and it was soon reported that they were expecting a child together.

The couple recently celebrated the birth of their child, solidifying their bond as a family. Cindy and Bongani have maintained a strong relationship, supporting one another as they navigate parenthood together.

Their relationship serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing how love and support can flourish even in the public eye.

5. Sithelo Shozi and Andile Mpisane

Sithelo Shozi, known by her DJ name “Yellow Shoes,” is a popular South African DJ with a significant following.

She entered a relationship with Andile Mpisane, a soccer player for Royal AM, when they were both quite young. Their romance was widely publicized, with fans eagerly following their relationship’s ups and downs.

The couple welcomed two children together before eventually parting ways. Though they are no longer romantically involved, Sithelo and Andile remain committed co-parents.

Their journey has had its challenges, but they both prioritize the well-being of their children, demonstrating a dedication to family that fans find inspiring.

The Unique Challenges of Co-Parenting in the Spotlight

For these celebrities, balancing a career in the public eye with the responsibilities of parenthood is no small feat. Co-parenting itself requires patience, compromise, and mutual respect, which can be complicated by fame and public scrutiny.

These celebrities navigate the unique challenges of raising children with their high-profile ex-partners while maintaining successful careers, making their journeys even more impressive.

Each of these women has shown resilience and commitment to providing a stable environment for their children, despite the pressures of public life.

Whether through successful co-parenting arrangements, finding joy in motherhood, or focusing on career growth, they are role models for others who find themselves in similar situations.

These stories of South African celebrities who have had children with soccer players showcase the complexity of relationships, especially those lived out in the public eye.

The experiences of Natasha Thahane, Gogo Maweni, Kelly Khumalo, Cindy Mahlangu, and Sithelo Shozi highlight the challenges and triumphs of love, family, and parenthood.

Despite their differences, they share a commitment to their children’s well-being and a determination to succeed both personally and professionally.