South Africa’s hooker Bongi Mbonambi celebrates with South Africa’s prop Ox Nche (L) and South Africa’s prop Trevor Nyakane (R) after victory in the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris. Image: Antonin THUILLIER / AFP
Springbok player facts: Everything you need to know about Bongi Mbonambi
Spend a few minutes getting to know star Springbok player and Rugby World Cup-winner Bongi Mbonambi a little bit better.
South Africa’s hooker Bongi Mbonambi celebrates with South Africa’s prop Ox Nche (L) and South Africa’s prop Trevor Nyakane (R) after victory in the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris. Image: Antonin THUILLIER / AFP
Springbok hooker Mbongeni Theo ‘Bongi’ Mbonambi has been an inspirational figure across his incredible rugby career.
Everything you need to know about Springbok player Bongi Mbonambi
Born in Bethlehem in the Free State on 7 January 1991, Mbonambi excelled at rugby from a young age.
His rugby ability meant that he was lured to Hoërskool Voortrekker in Bethlehem, an Afrikaans medium school with a rich rugby tradition.
Voortrekker helped him earn a Grant Khomo week selection for the Griffons.
An impressive outing garnered him the attention of the Blue Bulls who helped him secure a place at St Albans school.
Mbonambi played SA Schools and also made five international appearances for the Under-20 Springboks.
He would represent the Bulls at Craven Week while at St Albans and graduated from high school before going on to Varsity rugby at UP and TUT.
Mbonambi has shown the value of resilience and persistance as he slogged through four years in the Bulls senior setup with few opportunities.
Leaving the Bulls
However, he would secure a career-changing move to the Stormers in 2015.
A year later Mbonambi was first introduced into the Springbok system making his debut against Ireland when they toured South Africa in 2016.
A powerful scrummager, solid hand at lineouts, Mbonambi has also proven far more dynamic in the loose than many thought he would be.
Most of his 11 Test tries have something to do with a rolling maul but he has often had quite a bit of work to do to get the ball over the line and down.
Mbonambi is also a great jackaler and has won the Springboks plenty of turnovers and penalties.
He has been part of two Rugby World Cup triumphs for the Springboks.
Mbonambi currently turns out for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
With a total of 67 Tests in the bank he is the third most-capped Springbok hooker.
Personal life of Springbok player Bongi Mbonambi
Mbonambi has been partnered by his wife Anastacia since they tied the knot in 2017. She has been at his side for longer than that though with the couple getting together before Mbonambi was a high profile player.
Anastacia is a medical professional and makeup artist.
The couple have a daughter together while Mbonambi also has a daughter with Koketso Matlala.
Mbonambi isn’t terribly open about his private life on social media but does share occassional family updates on his Instagram account.
