World Rugby has determined that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with charges against Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi. Image via Instagram @mr_mbonambi
‘Rugby saved me from the worst side of life’: Bongi Mbonambi [watch]
Springboks vice-captain and hooker Bongi Mbonambi opened up about his upbringing in Bohlokong in the Free State province.
World Rugby has determined that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with charges against Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi. Image via Instagram @mr_mbonambi
South Africans have shown tremendous support to Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi amid the racism allegation levelled against him by England flanker Tom Curry.
From messages of encouragement to videos explaining what he likely told the English rugby player and, of course, banter.
ALSO READ: UK Prime Minister weighs in on racism allegation against Bongi Mbonambi
BONGI MBONAMBI ON HOW RUGBY SAVED HIS LIFE
Amid the drama, a video of Mbonambi speaking about how his love for the sport developed, and subsequently saved his life, was shared on social media. The video was first posted on the Springboks Youtube channel in November 2022.
“I grew up in Bohlokong, the kasi of Bethlehem. That’s where I first learnt about rugby when I was ten years old, I played a bit for the school. When I got home, I’d still play rugby with my friends.
“We used to make our own makeshift rugby balls, form the lemoensak (orange bag) with the newspapers into like an oval-shaped thing and then we’d play anywhere, wherever there was an open ground, or in the middle of the road, in the middle of the streets. We’d play almost the whole day until it gets dark.
ALSO READ: Bongi Mbonambi: What he has to lose if found guilty of racial slur
Mbonambi explained that there were only two of them who meant to a private school in the whole street of Bohlokong so they’d come back from school and teach the rest of their friends how to play rugby.
“We didn’t have grass patches where we could play tackle, so we’d play touchies, but then things would get out of hand and turn into tackle. And that’s how my love for rugby started.”
“Those are the good memories I have of my first love for rugby. I think rugby saved me from the worst side of life and showed me a better side and I’m glad that I found my passion for it and my love for it.”
RACISM ALLEGATIONS MADE BY TOM CURRY
All eyes have been on the Springboks following their incredible win against England on Saturday, 21 October, in their Rugby World Cup semi-final encounter. However, the Boks’ 16-15 victory was quickly overshadowed by Curry’s claims against Mbonambi.
ALSO READ: Opinion: Springboks WILL use Mbonambi ‘saga’ as motivation
In an audio clip released during the match, Curry can be heard in the 24th minute, via the match’s referee Ben O’Keeffe’s microphone, telling him about the allegation.
“Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c**t what do I do?” The New Zealander responded by saying: “Nothing please.” He goes on to add, after a short pause: “I’ll be on it.”
However, Curry’s claims were rubbished by South Africans who argued that what Mbonambi said was lost in translation.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: New twist in Bongi Mbonambi ‘racial slur’ saga
Fans have continuously suggested the hooker may have been speaking Afrikaans and said “wit kant” – which translates to “white side” – indicating the colour England were playing in on the day. Others argued that he could have said “wyd kant” which means “wide side”. The Springboks often speak Afrikaans to hide their strategies and plans from opponents.
World Rugby, governing body for the sport of rugby union, said it was “formally reviewing the allegation” and
