Oluthando Keteyi|Published
TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker has left many surprised with his announcement that he has split from his partner, Kacha Stepanovic, after three years.
Parker's post surprised many on social media, as they thought the football legend was still married to Wendy Parker. He and Wendy got married in 2012, and it is unclear when the couple split.
The 40-year-old took to his Instagram stories and shared a statement, accompanied by black-and-white photos of him and Stepanovic.
"This is not an easy post for me to write, but I feel it's only right to share this with everyone who has been part of our journey. @kacha_stepanovic and I have decided to go our separate ways after many beautiful years together. We have shared amazing moments, so much love, laughter, kindness and memories that I will always carry in my heart," wrote Parker.
Parker confirms the split
Parker said he and Stepanovic decided to go their separate ways and acknowledged his role in the breakdown of their relationship.
"Kacha has been my rock, someone who stood by me, supported me and believed in me. She was there for me in ways I will never forget, and for that, I will always be grateful. But I also want to be honest about my part in our journey.
"I have made mistakes and struggled with personal addictions that have affected my life and the people I love. Kacha, I'm truly sorry for the times I hurt you, let you down, and caused you pain. You gave me love, support, patience and kindness that I've never received before. I take responsibility for my mistakes, knowing that some things cannot simply be undone with an apology."
Stepanovic is a businesswoman and was previously married to former Teargas member Bantu Hanabe, popularly known as Ntukza. The former couple also have children together.
Parker, in his statement, further revealed that he wouldn't allow the way things ended to erase the good moments they shared, adding that they were blessed with beautiful children that will connect them forever. He also shared that they will continue to co-parent and raise all six children.
‘I take responsibility for my mistakes’
"Despite everything, I will never allow the way things ended to erase the good we shared. Together, we have been blessed with beautiful children, and that will forever connect us. ❤️ Like any relationship, we have had our differences, and after much thought, we have decided to go our separate ways.
"Sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we hoped. I have many regrets for my mistakes but I know you will one day forgive me. One thing that will never change is our commitment to our children. We will continue to co-parent and raise all 6 kids to become loving, respectful, strong and successful individuals.
"Our relationship as partners may have ended, but our love for our children and responsibility towards them will always remain. Kacha, I genuinely wish you all the love, happiness, peace and blessings this world has to offer. You are a phenomenal mother and were a great partner to me.
"You stood by me, believed in me and supported me in so many ways. I will never take that for granted. I'm sorry for the times I hurt you. You deserved love, peace, happiness and the very best of me. I know I didn't always get everything right, and I wish some things could have been different. Regardless of where life takes us, I will always want to see you happy, loved and appreciated. No one deserves it more than you.
"Thank you for the 3 years, the memories, the lessons, the love, and for being part of my story. I will always respect you as the mother of our children and appreciate the chapter we shared. To everyone who has supported us, please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter."
According to Parker's statement, there is no bitterness or hatred from the split, just love, growth, and gratitude.
"Life doesn't always go according to our plans, but I believe God has a reason for everything. Sometimes we have to accept things, learn from our mistakes, work on ourselves, and trust God to guide us. I choose to be grateful for what was, take accountability for where I went wrong, and trust God with what comes next. No bitterness, no hatred, just love, lessons, growth, and gratitude."
Stepanovic reshared Parker's post on her Instagram stories and also shared a story commending Parker as a parent and saying that their sons and daughter are the luckiest to have him.
The couple's split has gotten citizens talking, with many trying to piece together the timeline.