Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel have gained significant popularity as a couple among South Africans.
However, what the public sees is often just a glimpse of real life, and often the most glamorous parts. Although the announcement of their divorce shocked many, looking back over the years there may have been indications that their relationship has not always been as rosy as many fans believed.
How did they meet?
Rachel and Siya met in 2012 at a dinner with mutual friends in Stellenbosch. In an interview with Baby’s and Beyond magazine, she recalled that her first impression of him was not flattering. She stated that she thought at the time that he was rude. This was because he did not greet her or her friends when he arrived.
However, they soon became good friends, their relationship developed into a romantic one, and they got married in 2016.
Divorce announcement on social media
The couple released a joint statement announcing their decision to end their marriage.
Rocky past terrains
The couple has faced some challenging times in the past. They have experienced abuse as an interracial couple, and reportedly, some women tried to interfere in their marriage, as reported by Daily Voice.
Rachel has previously taken to social media to slam women who labelled Siya as a ‘type’ and sent him provocative messages on social media.
Last year, Siya mentioned that they went through a difficult time when they adopted his brother and sister. He mentioned that at the time, he was not in a good place and was living as if he had no family. It is unclear what he meant by that statement.
Rachel refused to stand in Siya’s shadow
In an interview with Clicks a few years ago, Rachel emphasised that she will neither be labelled nor stand in her famous husband’s shadow. ‘As a woman I refuse to be boxed,’ said Rachel. She added that she hates the term WAG.
“For all the generations of women coming after me, I want to show that there’s a different way. You can create your own name and brand.”
Rachel Kolisi
This determination of Rachel to keep her own identity and inner confidence took some adjusting on Siya’s side. He grew up in a home where men earn the money and women stay home to cook and clean.
‘At the beginning I thought Rachel would take the kids and I would come home from training and put my feet up in front of the TV but I had to remember that I’m still a father and husband and my kids and partner need my attention when I’m home,’ he said.
At the time he also stated that they ‘had a rocky patch, and fought a lot but it’s been so worth it now that we’re out the other side’. Being adaptable and breaking stereotypes was a learning curve for both of them.
Siya revealed that they attended marriage counselling, ‘because I couldn’t give everything to my wife, because my heart was so hard and I didn’t know how to speak’.
What do you think the real reason is for Siya and Rachel splitting up?
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