Siya: the downside of fame

'You're not just an individual any more; you represent something larger.'

- Hein Kaiser

Everything comes at an opportunity cost and this week's announcement that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will divorce from his wife Rachel highlighted the challenges faced by high-profile individuals when it comes to managing and maintaining personal relationships.

Despite the couple's separation, described as amicable in a joint statement, the pressures of fame and a life that is constantly in the public eye cannot be underestimated.

Since lifting the World Cup for the first time six years ago, it's been the daily grind for Kolisi and his family.

The Kolisi divorce announcement came shortly after his return from France, where he had been playing for Racing 92.

The constant travel, high-stakes matches and public demands likely placed considerable strain on his marriage.

Psychologist Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys said the challenges of fame like Kolisi's can be subtle but persistent, often born from significant changes in lifestyle, the expectations of others and personal pressures that accompany it.

"Being a public figure," he said, "especially in South Africa where sports stars are national symbols, adds the first layer of pressure. You're not just an individual any more; you represent something larger than yourself."