Eastern Cape & Mpumalanga – The wedding bells are ringing loud and clear as another South African power couple officially ties the knot! Following closely on the heels of Zozibini Tunzi's surprise nuptials, Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela and SuperSport presenter Zenande Funani have exchanged vows in a beautiful celebration of love.
The couple, who got engaged in December 2024, cemented their commitment to each other this past weekend, with the main ceremony taking place on Human Rights Day, Friday, March 21st, in the Eastern Cape. The celebrations continued on Monday, March 24th, in Mpumalanga, with a second day of festivities.
Zenande, 27, took to social media to express her joy and gratitude after the whirlwind weekend. She described marrying Maela, 32, as marrying her "best friend and life partner."
"What a magical weekend it has been, marrying my best friend and life partner in the most beautiful celebration of love," she shared. "My heart is so full. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, joy, and unforgettable moments and while I’m absolutely exhausted, every single moment was worth it."
@orlandopirates skipper Innocent Maela and her wife @NandeFunani at their second wedding day.
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Brenda Apology Summer Walker pic.twitter.com/sykeCvMCVw
— Sibongumenzi Sibiya (@Iam_sbonga) March 25, 2025
While the couple are keeping the intimate details of the wedding celebrations under wraps for now, many of their guests were eager to share glimpses of the ceremony on social media, giving fans a sneak peek into the joyous occasion.
Zenande also expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and support they received from friends, family, and well-wishers.
"Before I take some time to rest and soak it all in, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. To everyone who sent messages, I see them and even though I haven’t had a chance to respond yet, please know I appreciate each and every one of them," she said. "I will definitely take time to reply soon. To my incredible friends and family, who travelled from different provinces to celebrate with us, your love and support mean the world to us. Sharing this special day with you all made it even more unforgettable."
Love was in the air as the @orlandopirates skipper Innocent Maela and Zenande marked the second day of their wedding.
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— Sibongumenzi Sibiya (@Iam_sbonga) March 25, 2025
The couple's love story has captivated many, with Zenande frequently spotted in the stands, proudly donning Orlando Pirates gear to support her now-husband. The well-known footballer, Innocent, clearly scored big in the heart of the TV presenter off the pitch.
The journey to "I do" began earlier this year when Zenande teased their wedding plans by sharing a photograph in traditional attire, indicating that lobola negotiations were underway. A few weeks later, she officially announced their engagement by showcasing her stunning engagement ring.
