{
  "id": 17005276,
  "title": "‘I gave Bongi a ring’: Dobbo explains Mbonambi signing, admits fitness a concern",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/i-gave-bongi-a-ring-dobbo-explains-mbonambi-signing-admits-fitness-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T04:05:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/john-dobson-stormers-bongi-mbonambi-sign-sharks-fitness/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dobson, the Stormers' boss, revealed that Bongi Mbonambi joined the team after just three days, expressing enthusiasm for his set-piece skills against Ulster on Saturday. However, he also admitted that Mbonambi's fitness might be a concern. The two parted ways amicably from the Sharks, and Mbonambi was immediately named to the bench for the Ulster match in Cape Town. Dobson stated that Mbonambi's time at the Sharks was nearing its end, and after three hookers were lost, he called Mbonambi on Monday to offer him a short-term contract. Mbonambi agreed to return to the club he played for between 2015 and 2021, as he was eager to get back into the Springbok setup.\n\nDespite Mbonambi's recent injury struggles and disciplinary issues, the Stormers are confident in his abilities. He will replace Vernon Paulo, who starts for the first time this season due to injuries to Andre-Hugo Venter, Lukhanyo Vokozela, and Deon Fourie. Venter would need two months to recover, Fourie could be out for three to six months, and Vokozela's history of concussions requires caution. Mbonambi's lineout throws and scrums were assessed positively by the forwards coach, Rito Hlungwani. The coach emphasized that Mbonambi is one of the best set-piecers in the game, and their team would greatly benefit from having him in the lineup, even if he struggles with the running game.",
  "summary": "'If Vernon were to go down in the third minute and we asked him [Mbonambi] for 77 that would be a challenge... But at least at set-piece he'll be 100% fine.'",
  "key_points": [
    "Bongi Mbonambi joins Stormers after three days, praised for set-piece skills.",
    "Fitness of Mbonambi a concern for Stormers' lineup.",
    "Mbonambi returns to Sharks, former club from 2015-2021."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}