Sphephelo Mbonambi came through the Hollywoodbets Sharks junior pathway, earning an invitation to SA Rugby's national U19 assessment camps in Stellenbosch in 2023 and the U20 alignment camps that followed in early 2024 - recognition of a young forward firmly on the national radar.
A physical, athletic second-rower who covers the loose trio with equal comfort, Mbonambi was a standout for the Hollywoodbets Sharks U21s in the 2025 SA Rugby U21 Cup, memorably bagging a hat-trick of tries against the Leopards in a 12-try rout. His form earned senior honours: named in the Sharks' 2025 Currie Cup squad, he made his debut in the No 6 jersey in the competition opener against the Lions at Ellis Park in July 2025, part of the Sharks U21 group crowned SA Rugby U21 Cup champions later that season.
With senior Currie Cup experience already banked and a title-winning junior pedigree, Mbonambi enters the 2026/27 campaign as one of the pack's most exciting developmental prospects.