The personal life story of Bongi Mbonambi, the South African rugby player

The personal life story of Bongi Mbonambi, the South African rugby player

Claudia Kogi
February 18, 2024 at 3:04 PM

Rugby is a popular sport rarely discussed, especially when other sports like American football and soccer dominate so much. South Africans are often the sport's reigning champions, and various players like Bongi Mbonambi often make headlines.

Bongi Mbonambi during the South African men's national rugby team training session
Bongi Mbonambi during the South African men's training session at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 17 August 2021 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Photo: Richard Huggard (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Bongi Mbonambi is a South African-based professional rugby union player, currently playing for the Sharks and the South Africa national rugby team. Although the union was somewhat skeptical about his small stature in the beginning, Bongi has not once failed to prove his skill and talent.

Bongi Mbonambi's profile summary

Full name

Mbongeni Theo 'Bongi' Mbonambi

Date of birth

7 January 1991

Age

33 years as of February 2024

Place of birth

Bethlehem, Free State, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Height

5 feet 10 inches or 178 centimetres

Weight

238 pounds or 108 kilograms

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Dark brown

Spouse

Anastacia

Children

1

Profession

Professional rugby player

Current team(s)

Sharks and the South Africa national rugby team

Salary

$100k to $500k

Netw worth

$1 million to $5 million

Social media presence

Instagram

Bongi Mbonambi's family

Bongi Mbonambi (age 33 years as of February 2024) was born on 7 January 1991 in Bethlehem, Free State, South Africa. Although the names of the player's parents are unknown, there have been some details about them, including that his father was a police officer and played baseball, while his mother is said to be a nurse who played tennis in her younger years.

Not much is known about his upbringing except that he and his siblings were raised strictly. He attended Tshwane University College and St Alban's College.

Rise to stardom

Bongi Mbonambi looks on during the South Africa captain's run held at Stade des Fauvettes
Top 5 facts about Bongi Mbonambi. Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images (Modified by author)
Source: Original

The latter developed a passion for rugby at a very young age. During his teenage years, the athlete trained in the game and showed great interest in improving daily. In 2011, he broke the waves when he played for the Baby Boks, and his exemplary performance saw him land numerous positions on different teams.

That played a crucial role in grooming his career. Between 2012 and 2014, he played for the Blue Bulls and later joined Up Tuks, where he maintained his position. His exemplary performance in the sport made bigger teams show interest in him.

Although he faced challenges due to his small height, he openly admitted that he never doubted his ability. He said in an interview with SA Rugby magazine,

There was never a time when I doubted my ability, even when some of the coaches were telling me I'd never progress beyond the age-group level. One day, I challenged one of those coaches by asking, 'Why would you say something like that?' He told me my size would count against me in professional rugby.
It really hurts to hear that, but then I managed to turn it into a positive. When people tell me I cannot do something, it makes me try even harder.

Bongi Mbonambi and Tom Curry

What did Bongi Mbonambi say to Tom Curry? Towards the end of 2023, the English rugby player Tom Curry accused Bongi Mbonambi of using a racial slur against him in their heated semi-final clash.

Bongi Mbonambi looks on during the South Africa captain's run held at Stade des Fauvettes
Bongi in great spirits at Stade des Fauvettes ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Final match against New Zealand on 27 October 2023 in Domont, France. Photo: David Rogers
Source: Getty Images

According to an audio clip, the athlete accused the South African of calling him a "white c**t". After the session had ended, Tom was heard making complaints to the referee, saying,

Sir, sir, if their player calls me a white c***, what do I do?

The publication added that Bongi appeared to snub shaking Tom Curry's hand after the match.

Bongi Mbonambi's injury news

Mbonambi, a 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok player, had to be sidelined for six months due to knee injuries. This was after an opponent from All Blacks, Shannon Frizell, landed on his standing leg at the breakdown, earning the latter a yellow card.

Bongi Mbonambi's net worth and salary

How much the rugby sensation earns annually is still being determined, as it is one subject he would rather keep under wraps. However, some online sources, such as Ubetoo, claim he earns between $100k and $500k annually.

Although he has also been discrete about his exact net worth figures, various sources such as Soccer Souls have put it between $1 million and $5 million.

Bongi Mbonambi celebrates with his daughter following the team’s victory in the Rugby World Cup Finals
Mbonambi celebrates with his daughter following the team’s victory in the Rugby World Cup Final match against New Zealand on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Lionel Hahn
Source: Getty Images

Trivia

Bongi Mbonambi is a South African professional rugby union player who has done nothing but achieved impressive stats since debuting. Here are some of the most interesting facts about the professional rugby player.

Does Bongi Mbonambi have a wife?

The professional athlete is married to his long-term girlfriend, Anastacia. The two solemnised their marriage in a wedding that took place in 2017 at Webersburg wine estate and was attended by family and close friends. They have a daughter together.

The two seem to be head over heels as they often flaunt each other on social media with captivating captions;

Bongi wrote;

Happy 6th anniversary, my beautiful wife. Thank you for being such a fantastic wife, mother, and friend. It has not been the easiest, but we make it work. I love you, my life.

His wife, Anastacia, then replied

Love you, my hubby. Happy Anniversary. Only God's grace carried us this far.

What is Bongi Mbonambi's height?

Bongi Mbonambi celebrates the victory with the supporters following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Finals
Bongi Mbonambi celebrates victory following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Final against New Zealand (All Blacks) on 28 October 2023 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. Photo: Jean Catuffe
Source: Getty Images

The famous Springbok player stands at 5 feet 10 inches or 178 centimetres and weighs 238 pounds or 108 kilograms. He has black hair and dark brown eyes.

Is Bongi Mbonambi on Instagram?

He is on Instagram, where he boasts over 133k followers on Instagram as of February 2024. He often uploads photos and videos documenting his life.

Final word

Having started his professional career at the Bulls franchise and now playing for the Sharks and the South Africa national rugby team, Bongi Mbonambi has never failed to make his nation proud following his consistently impressive performances.

READ ALSO: What happens if a goalie gets a red card? Soccer explained

Sports Brief has recently published an article about a goalkeeper getting a red card. Specific actions within football can have game-changing implications for a particular team. One of the most detrimental things that can happen to a side is when a goalkeeper commits a dangerous foul or engages in gross misconduct.

A red is a coach's nightmare, considering how they spend endless nights preparing strategies and formations for a soccer game. Click on the link above to learn what happens when a goalie gets the red card.

Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.