Bernard Parker has told the public that his relationship with Kacha Stepanovic has come to an end. The TS Galaxy FC coach and former Bafana Bafana player shared the news on his Instagram stories on 13 October 2026. His message was long, honest and full of regret. It is easy to react to a celebrity breakup in a hurry, but a simple read of the facts shows a man trying to own his part in what went wrong.
A message of thanks, love and regret
Parker did not keep it short. He began by saying that he and Kacha had agreed to go their separate ways after many beautiful years together. He spoke about love, laughter, kindness and memories that he says will stay in his heart.
He also thanked her. In his words, Kacha was his rock. She stood by him, believed in him and supported him in ways he says he will never forget. For a public breakup statement, the tone was soft and respectful.
It helps to notice what the post left out. Going by what has been shared publicly, it did not blame Kacha. Instead, the former soccer star kept the focus on his own actions and on the good that the two of them shared.
Taking responsibility in public
The most striking part of the post is the honesty. Parker admitted that he made mistakes. He also said he has struggled with personal addictions, and that these struggles affected his life and the people he loves. He did not say what the addictions were, so it would be wrong to guess.
He then apologised to Kacha directly. He said sorry for the times he hurt her, let her down and caused her pain. He wrote that she gave him love, patience and kindness that he had never received before.
One line carries the weight of the whole message. He said he takes responsibility for his mistakes, and he knows some things cannot be undone with an apology. That is a simple idea, but it is not an easy thing to say in front of thousands of followers.
Parker also said he will not let the way things ended erase the good they shared. He wished Kacha love, peace and happiness. He said she deserves the very best of him, and that he will always want to see her happy and appreciated. He closed by saying he chooses to be grateful for what was, to be accountable for where he went wrong, and to trust God with what comes next.
Kacha Stepanovic responds
Kacha shared Bernard’s statement on her own social media pages. She added a message of her own, and it was warm and calm.
She thanked Bernard for being a great father. She described him as a great man with a world of potential and said she believes he will succeed in everything he does. She also said their sons and daughter are lucky to have him. She ended with her faith, saying God is able to restore all that is within His will.
Her words do not read like the start of a public fight. They read like a woman who wants the focus to stay on the family. At the same time, neither message explains what happens next. There is no word on any legal steps, and the two have not shared details about living arrangements. Readers should avoid filling those gaps with rumours.
The children are at the centre
Both messages put the children first. Parker said he and Kacha share six children, and that they will always be connected through them. Kacha’s note about their sons and daughter shows the same priority.
No matter how a separation happens, children need stability. It is simple to say and hard to do, but families often find that a few things help:
- Clear routines that stay as steady as possible
- Honest, age appropriate conversations about what is changing
- Respect between parents, even when emotions run high
- Reassurance that the children are loved and are not to blame
These are general ideas and not a comment on how the Parker family is handling things. Still, the tone of both statements suggests that the parents want their children to feel secure.
How readers can respond with care
News like this spreads fast. Within minutes, people share screenshots, guess at reasons and take sides. It is easy to judge from the outside, but the public only sees a few paragraphs from a very private chapter.
A better approach is simple. Read what was said. Respect that two adults have made a hard decision. Remember that real children are part of this story. Parker himself asked for the good to be remembered, and the public can follow that lead.
It is also fair to say that the statement shows a kind of maturity. Many people struggle to admit fault in private, never mind in public. Whatever readers think of the breakup, an open apology is not common in celebrity news.
Help is available for addiction
Parker spoke about personal addictions, and that will resonate with many South African families. Addiction touches people from every background, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
If you or someone you love needs support, the Department of Social Development runs a Substance Abuse Line on 0800 12 13 14. You can find more information on the Department of Social Development website. The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence also offers information and treatment services across the country. Reaching out is an easy first step, and it can make a real difference.
What we know and what we don’t
The facts are limited, so it helps to separate what is confirmed from what is not.
| Confirmed in public statements | Not confirmed |
|---|---|
| Bernard Parker and Kacha Stepanovic have decided to part ways | Any legal steps or timelines |
| Parker posted the news on Instagram stories on 13 October 2026 | The exact reasons for the split |
| Parker admitted mistakes and struggles with personal addictions | Which addictions he was referring to |
| The couple share six children | Future living or parenting arrangements |
| Kacha shared the statement and thanked him as a father | Any further comment from either side |
Final thoughts
The split between Bernard Parker and Kacha Stepanovic is a personal moment that has become public news. What stands out is the tone. Parker apologised, thanked Kacha and accepted responsibility. Kacha answered with kindness and praised him as a father.
For now, the best response is a respectful one. The couple have said what they wanted to say, and the rest belongs to them and their six children. If more details are shared by Parker or Kacha, readers will hear it from them directly.
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