Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi is still absent from the Sharks setup, and a new report suggests a disciplinary issue could be the reason. The 35-year-old was left out of the squad for the upcoming overseas matches, and he does not appear on the injury list either.
The absence
Mbonambi is believed to be fully fit, but he has not been part of training or recent matchday squads in recent weeks. On Wednesday, head coach JP Pietersen named a 28-man group for three overseas fixtures, and the World Cup-winning hooker was not in it.
The reported misconduct claim
According to Rapport, Mbonambi was viewed as the most serious offender among players who ignored the coach’s instructions during a pre-season team-building exercise. The report alleges he was “socialising” until the early hours of the morning. It also suggests his Sharks contract could be under threat. Neither the Sharks nor Mbonambi have confirmed this, so the claims remain unverified.
The Springbok question
The situation comes as Mbonambi’s Springbok prospects have already looked uncertain in recent seasons.
Sharks EPCR Challenge Cup squad
- Forwards: Cameron Dawson, Deon Slabbert, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Stephan Lewies, Tinotenda Mavesere, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka
- Backs: Bradley Davids, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, Murray Koster, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Zekhethelo Siyaya
Injury list
Eben Etzebeth (lower limb, awaiting further assessment), Fez Mbatha (lower limb), Hendre Stassen (tendon), Makazole Mapimpi (hamstring), Phepsi Buthelezi (shoulder), Vusi Moyo (shoulder), Yaw Penxe (pec).
