Born in Bethlehem in the Free State, Mbongeni Theo "Bongi" Mbonambi was educated at St Alban's College in Pretoria before entering the Blue Bulls system. He represented the South Africa U20s at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship, announcing himself as one of the country's premier young hookers.
Mbonambi made his senior debut for the Bulls in the 2012 Super Rugby season against the Crusaders, before six seasons in Cape Town with the Stormers. In June 2021 the Sharks confirmed his signing, and he joined Durban from November 2021, debuting in the inaugural 2021/22 URC. He has since anchored the Sharks' front row across the URC and EPCR competitions, while amassing more than 80 Test caps for the Springboks since his 2016 debut.
A double Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023) and Rugby Championship winner, Mbonambi brings unmatched big-match pedigree and leadership to the Sharks' 2026/27 campaign.
