At St. Albans College in Pretoria on Saturday, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, a two-time World Cup winner, officially opened the Bongi Mbonambi Scholarship.
Mbonambi, who is favoured to lead the Springboks in the inaugural Test match against Wales at Twickenham this coming weekend, inaugurated the foundation while in attendance at Old Boys’ Day.
The Sharks hooker was excited to be there and start his scholarship even though his old school lost to St. John’s.
“We go on, even if it was evidently not a nice day today. It’s good to be back at the All Star Big Round. Speaking to the school’s media, he stated, “[The atmosphere] was pretty awesome. I got to launch my scholarship today, the Bongi Mbonambi Scholarship, which is pretty awesome. I’m pretty grateful and honoured for everyone who got involved.”
Returning the favour
Mbonambi was chosen to play for the Griffons in the 2007 Grant Khomo Week in Durban. He did so well enough there that the Blue Bulls’ hiring staff took notice of him.
He had the chance to finish his final two years of education at St. Albans College as part of the Blue Bulls’ development programme, and he also played for the Blue Bulls during Craven Week.
Additionally, Mbonambi made the SA Schools squad during his 2009 matric year. After that, he continued to play for the Blue Bulls in Pretoria under a junior contract, and Dawie Theron picked him for the Junior Springboks in 2011.
Wandile Mbatha, 15, was named the scholarship’s first recipient by Mbonambi.
The statement from the Bok’s charity said, “He started his education at Boskop Primary, where he discovered his passion for rugby.”
As a result of his diligence and hard work, Wandile was awarded a scholarship at St. Albans College in Grade 10. The youthful Mbatha is currently the Blue Bulls U16 Grant Khomo flank and also plays for the U16A squad of St Albans College. His career began off as a flanker with the Blue Bulls U15 Rhino Wek in 2023.
