10 SA Actresses Who Dated or Married Soccer Players

Dating a soccer player comes with its own set of challenges and risks. The lifestyle of a professional athlete can be unpredictable, and the demands of their career can strain relationships.

Despite these challenges, many South African women are drawn to the allure of dating a soccer player, often fantasizing about the luxurious lifestyle that comes with it. In this list, we’ll look at ten South African actresses who dated and had children with soccer players.

While some relationships ended in heartbreak, others brought joy and fulfillment. Before we dive into the list, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content like this. Thank you for tuning in.

1. Amanda Manku and Pule Ekstein

Our first couple is Amanda Manku, known for her role as Dr. Elizabeth Thobakgale on “Skeem Saam,” and soccer player Pule Ekstein. Amanda, who was also a sportscaster, met Ekstein during her interviews with soccer players. It is widely believed that Ekstein is the father of her child, born in 2017, although Amanda has never publicly confirmed this. Their relationship was short-lived, lasting about three years before they parted ways. Amanda has since moved on and is now married to a man from the Tswana clan of Motaung, adopting the name Amanda Motaung. Interestingly, Amanda’s younger brother is also into soccer, possibly inspired by Ekstein.

2. Cindy Mahlangu and Bongani Zungu

Cindy Mahlangu, known for her roles in “Scandal,” “Blood and Water,” and other TV shows, is another actress who dated a soccer player. Cindy has been in a relationship with soccer star Bongani Zungu for nearly three years. In April 2021, the couple welcomed their first child together, a son.

However, their relationship has had its ups and downs. In 2021, Zungu was rumored to have cheated on Cindy, but the couple managed to overcome this rough patch. Despite the challenges, they have remained together, demonstrating the resilience required to maintain a relationship with a professional athlete.

3. Minnie Dlamini and Quinton Jones

Minnie Dlamini, a beloved South African actress and TV presenter, married Quinton Jones, a former professional soccer player turned media executive. Their relationship was highly publicized, and they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 2017. The couple has a child together, but like many high-profile relationships, they have faced their share of challenges.

4. Gail Mabalane and Kabelo Mabalane

Actress Gail Mabalane and soccer player Kabelo Mabalane are another prominent couple in South Africa. Gail, known for her roles in “The Road” and “The Wild,” married Kabelo, a well-known musician and former soccer player. They have two children together and have managed to maintain a strong and supportive relationship despite the pressures of their respective careers.

5. Pearl Thusi and Robert Marawa

Pearl Thusi, an internationally recognized actress and model, was in a relationship with sports journalist and former soccer player Robert Marawa. Their relationship was highly publicized, and they were often seen as a power couple in the South African entertainment industry. However, they eventually parted ways, each focusing on their individual careers.

6. Jessica Nkosi and Ntokozo Dlamini

Jessica Nkosi, known for her role in “Isibaya,” dated Ntokozo Dlamini, a soccer player, for a period. The couple has a daughter together. Their relationship was marked by public interest and speculation, but they have since separated and are co-parenting their child.

7. Nomzamo Mbatha and Maps Maponyane

Actress and philanthropist Nomzamo Mbatha was romantically linked to Maps Maponyane, a former soccer player and now a prominent TV personality and entrepreneur. Although their relationship did not result in children, it was a significant part of their public personas for a time.

8. Boity Thulo and Cassper Nyovest

Boity Thulo, a multi-talented actress and musician, had a high-profile relationship with rapper and soccer enthusiast Cassper Nyovest. While Cassper is not a professional soccer player, his involvement in the sport and their relationship brought significant attention from fans and the media. The couple eventually parted ways but remained influential figures in the entertainment industry.

9. Amanda du-Pont and Shawn Rodriques

Amanda du-Pont, an actress known for her role in “Skeem Saam,” was in a relationship with Shawn Rodriques, who has a background in soccer. Their relationship was kept relatively private, but they eventually married and have been supportive of each other’s careers.

10. Thembi Seete and Bobo Seritsane

Thembi Seete, an actress and singer, was romantically involved with Bobo Seritsane, a former soccer player. Their relationship was highly publicized, and they have a child together. Despite facing challenges, Thembi has continued to thrive in her career while co-parenting their child.

These stories highlight the allure and challenges of dating professional athletes. While the relationships often come with glamour and public interest, they also face unique pressures and obstacles. Nonetheless, these actresses have shown resilience and continue to inspire with their personal and professional journeys.