Mbonambi: Move to Cape Town paid off

Mbonambi is set to win his first Test cap for the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday after he was named on the bench for the first of three Tests against Ireland in June.

Before making his debut for the Stormers in last year's Super Rugby campaign, Mbonambi was with the Bulls for three seasons, but he was only given a few opportunities to showcase his talents.

"My journey down from the Bulls to Cape Town was a massive move for me personally," Mbonambi told reporters after the team announcement. 

"Career-wise it was the best move I could have ever made – look where I am standing now.

"I decided to make the move to Cape Town because I needed more game time, so that I could be seen by the selectors and that is exactly what has happened."

Mbonambi was competing with his fellow Stormers teammate, Siyabonga Ntubeni, for a place on the bench for the first Test.

Ntubeni, who is also without a Test cap to his name, was eventually released to the SA 'A' squad earlier this week. But Mbonambi believes that his teammate will get his opportunity one day. 

"I have known Scarra [Ntubeni] for quite a long time. We played against each other in junior sides and now we are playing alongside each other [at the Stormers].

"He is a very good guy and I believe he will get his chance," he added.

Mbonambi might see some limited action on Saturday with Adriaan Strauss being captain, but the 25-year-old said he does not care how much time he gets on the field.

"I believe I will get my opportunity. Even if it is just for five seconds, I will make sure that I run fast on the field and maybe tackle something," he said.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com