In South Africa, entertainment and sports often intersect in intriguing ways.
Some fans have noticed that certain South African actors bear an uncanny resemblance to famous soccer players, with many doing double-takes at how strikingly similar these personalities look.
From the sharp features to their overall demeanor, these actors could easily be mistaken for some of the top soccer stars in Mzansi.
Here, we explore a few actors who have notable resemblances to South African soccer players—names you’ll recognize on TV and on the soccer field alike.
Gaston Sirino and Cedric Fourie (Lehasa from Skeem Saam)
Gaston Sirino, the talented Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, has an undeniable resemblance to Cedric Fourie, the actor who plays the popular character Lehasa on Skeem Saam.
Both men have sharp jawlines, deep-set eyes, and a facial structure that make them look like they could be brothers.
Their presence—whether on the soccer field or on the small screen—commands attention, and it’s no surprise that fans have noticed their striking similarities.
Sirino’s focused look on the field mirrors Cedric’s charismatic and often intense on-screen persona.
If Cedric were to trade his role as Lehasa for a soccer career, he could easily pass as Gaston Sirino without missing a beat.
Relebogile Mofokeng and Thabiso Molokomme
Relebogile Mofokeng, known for his captivating role as the character Lindiwe in The River, has an incredible likeness to Thabiso Molokomme, a rising star in the PSL who plays for Stellenbosch FC.
Both share similar facial features—particularly their strong bone structure and expressive eyes.
Their striking resemblances go beyond just looks, as both have a confident presence that’s hard to ignore.
Relebogile, with her elegance and charisma on-screen, shares a similar level of composure and intensity to Thabiso Molokomme’s performances on the soccer field.
Keagan Dolly and Vuyo Dabula
Keagan Dolly, one of the stars of Kaizer Chiefs, is known for his fast-paced and skillful play on the field.
Off the field, he shares a remarkable resemblance to actor Vuyo Dabula, who is famous for his role as Gadaffi in Generations: The Legacy.
Both Keagan and Vuyo have similar facial structures, with strong jawlines and captivating smiles.
Their athletic builds and confident postures make them an even more perfect match in terms of resemblance.
If Keagan swapped jerseys for a role in a drama series, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine him fitting right in as Vuyo Dabula’s twin.
Itumeleng Khune and Sipho Manzini
Itumeleng Khune, South Africa’s iconic goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs, is not just known for his exceptional skills but also for his striking features.
He has a remarkable resemblance to actor Sipho Manzini, who is known for his roles in Skeem Saam and other popular shows.
Both men have similar facial structures—high cheekbones, a square jawline, and a strong presence.
Whether it’s Khune’s commanding performance in goal or Sipho’s intense characters on screen, their ability to dominate a space with their presence is uncanny.
Percy Tau and Lunga Shabalala
Percy Tau, the talented Mamelodi Sundowns player who currently plays in Europe, has been recognized for his incredible speed and finesse on the field.
However, when he’s not on the pitch, he shares a striking resemblance to actor Lunga Shabalala.
Known for his charm and acting in shows like The Queen, Lunga has a similar look to Percy, especially with their warm, engaging smiles and well-groomed appearances.
Both are highly regarded in their respective fields, and their striking similarity could easily confuse even the most dedicated fans.
Lebo Mothiba and Nkosi Khumalo
Lebo Mothiba, the South African forward currently playing abroad, bears a striking resemblance to Nkosi Khumalo, the talented actor who plays a prominent role in Isidingo and other shows.
Their facial features, especially their broad foreheads and intense gazes, make them look incredibly similar.
Their strong physical presence is another characteristic that makes this pairing noteworthy.
Whether it’s on the soccer field or in the world of television drama, both Lebo and Nkosi command attention wherever they go.
Thulani Hlatshwayo and Andile Jali
Thulani Hlatshwayo, the South African defender and captain of the national team, shares a strong resemblance to actor Andile Jali, who is best known for his role in Uzalo.
Both men have similar facial structures with defined features, including strong jawlines and deep eyes that make them look like they could be twins.
Andile’s on-screen intensity is mirrored by Thulani’s powerful performances on the field, making this a pairing that’s hard to ignore.
Teko Modise and Khaya Dladla
Teko Modise, the retired footballing legend, is one of South Africa’s most beloved players.
Interestingly, he bears a remarkable resemblance to actor Khaya Dladla, who is well-known for his role as “GC” on Uzalo.
Both Teko and Khaya share similar facial structures and have an undeniable presence that draws people in.
With their similar mannerisms and charming personalities, Teko and Khaya could easily pass for long-lost brothers.
Bafana Bafana’s Dean Furman and Themba Ndaba
Dean Furman, the talented midfielder for Bafana Bafana and his club, is often regarded for his exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
He shares an uncanny resemblance with veteran actor Themba Ndaba, best known for his iconic role as Brutus in The Queen.
Both men have a distinguished look, with their rugged facial features and dignified appearances.
Whether on the field or in a role on-screen, Dean and Themba both exude a level of strength and wisdom that adds to their charm.
Aubrey Modiba and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube
Aubrey Modiba, the versatile winger for Mamelodi Sundowns, shares a strong resemblance with actor Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, who is a veteran in the South African acting industry.
Their similar facial features and athletic builds make this pair look remarkably alike.
The striking resemblance is even more evident when they are in motion—Modiba with his quick feet on the field and Sello with his dynamic roles on screen.
Siphiwe Tshabalala and Mlamli Mangcala
Siphiwe Tshabalala, one of the most recognizable footballers in South Africa, especially after his memorable World Cup goal in 2010, shares a lookalike in Mlamli Mangcala, a talented actor from Isidingo.
Both have defined facial structures and an air of confidence that makes them look like they could easily be brothers.
With their similar features and charming personalities, this duo is a perfect match.
Bongani Zungu and Sdumo Mtshali.
Bongani Zungu, the talented midfielder who has made waves with Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team, has an impressive resemblance to actor Sdumo Mtshali, known for his role in Isibaya and The Republic.
Their similar facial features, particularly their expressive eyes and warm smiles, make them an easy pair to mistake for one another.
Both men carry themselves with an air of sophistication, making them stand out in their respective careers.
It’s amazing how closely South African actors and soccer players can resemble one another.
From their facial features to their body language, many of these personalities could easily switch careers and fool their fans into believing they’re in a completely different industry.
Whether it’s Cedric Fourie’s resemblance to Gaston Sirino or Lunga Shabalala’s similarity to Percy Tau, these lookalikes provide a fun and fascinating connection between the worlds of South African entertainment and football.
Who knows, maybe the next big crossover will involve one of these actors and soccer players switching roles for a day!
