With the 2023 World Cup now being a distant memory, Springbok stalwart Bongi Mbonambi has taken the responsibility to ensure that more of South Africa’s talented rugby boys get given a platform to reach their dreams, by launching the Bongi Mbonambi Scholarship.
The Sharks’ hooker was one of many old boys (former pupils) who visited their alma mater, St.Alans College in Pretoria, where the home team suffered a defeat against their rival team St.Johns. Despite this, the 33-year-old was there for one reason only and that was to make a difference by giving young talented rugby players the same opportunities that he had been given by launching his scholarship.
According to the news and entertainment publication Citizen, the Bongi addressed the media and all those in attendance at the event saying:
“It’s good to be back at the All-Star Big Round, but today wasn’t a good day but we move on. The atmosphere was pretty awesome, I got to launch my scholarship today, Bongi Mbonambi Scholarship which is pretty awesome.”
Bongi later expressed how grateful he was for all those who assisted him and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to see that his vision became a reality.
One of the first-ever recipients of the scholarship was a learner, Wandile Mbatha, a grade 10 pupil who received an opportunity to attend the prestigious boys’ boarding school after displaying his impressive skills at multiple rugby tournaments over the years.
Wandile is currently in the Blue Bulls under 16 Grant Khomo side and is focused on flourishing, both in sports as well as academics.
Meanwhile, with the launch of his scholarship program taking off, so is his international season with the Springboks. Bongi is part of the training team that is scheduled to take on Wales this coming Saturday.
This will be their very first game, following their 2023 World Cup success.
Also see: Another Springbok baby! – Bongi Mbonambi and wife Stacy announce pregnancy
