Siya Kolisi celebrates with Rachel and her family after defeating New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match between New Zealand and South Africa. (Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images) Rachel Kolisi recently captured hearts after heading online to reflect on her and Siya's decision to adopt his orphaned siblings 10 years ago. The couple had just welcomed their first child into the world when the adoption took place.
Many of their fans have lauded Rachel for taking on so much responsibility at such a tender age. Rachel and Springbok star Siya Kolisi are one of South Africa's favourite couples. While Siya's prowess on the rugby field first impressed us, his wholesome marriage to the fitness enthusiast and businesswoman Rachel has won many hearts.
The pair first met in 2012, and for Siya, it was love at first sight. "I knew I liked her and had to tell her," he wrote on their wedding website . "It was scary.
I asked her to lunch, and that's when I told her. She played hard to get in the beginning but eventually admitted it as well. The rest is history.
" Just three years later, the pair welcomed their first child, Nicholas, into the world. Their second child, daughter Keziah, was born in 2017. When Nic—as the family fondly calls him—was three months old, Rachel and Siya made the undoubtedly difficult decision to adopt Siya's two siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, who became orphaned after their mother's untimely passing in 2009.
The Springbok star hadn't seen his siblings for years before they were reunited. A few days ago, Rachel headed to Instagram to reflect on the past ten years with Siya's siblings. Taking to the app, the 34-year-old shared how having Liyema and Liphelo has been "the greatest gift" for the couple.
She wrote: "While celebrating Liphelo's birthday last week and having all 4 kids home for the weekend, we reflected on the fact that almost to the day, 10 years ago, Liphelo and Liyema came to spend a week with us in Cape Town to see that they were comfortable to make the move and come stay with us forever. "I was 24 years old, Nic was 3 months old, Liphelo had just turned 7, and Liyema was 12. 10 years of the greatest gift God could have ever given me.
" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Kolisi (@rachelkolisi) As expected, the comment section was soon full of praise for Rachel, who was hailed "a gem" for taking on the responsibility while only a few months into motherhood. "Can't think of any 24-year-old that would take on the responsibility to raise her newborn baby and two other kids as well. You are a gem, God bless you," one fan wrote, while another added: "You were too young yourself.
Parenting is such a big responsibility. Well done, mama, you are amazing." READ MORE | Rachel's sweet birthday tribute to Siya: 'You really are one of a kind!' We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives.
Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered. Join News24 today Related Links Relief, more than joy, holds firm for Kolisi after Brisbane success WATCH | Bok stars Etzebeth, Kolisi go 'crazy' celebrating Dricus du Plessis' UFC win The Kiffness raises R1m in two weeks to help sick child.
