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Bongi Mbonambi to join Stormers squad for match against Ulster in United Rugby Championship
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Bongi Mbonambi to join Stormers squad for match against Ulster in United Rugby Championship

Two-time World Cup winner, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, is preparing for his long-awaited return to the Stormers bench in the upcoming United Rugby Championship match against Ulster, which will take place on Saturday at the DHL Stadium.

Mbonambi's substitution is part of 10 changes to the squad and one tactical substitution made by rugby director John Dobson. The Cape Town team aims to secure its fourth consecutive home victory before the four-week break in the competition.

The 35-year-old front-row veteran, recently returned to the Stormers from the Sharks, provides crucial support to the front row, which is weakened by Andre-Hugo Venter's injury and J.J. Kotze's suspension.

Young player Vernon Paulo will start the game at hooker alongside Vilko Lou and Ntutuko Mchunu, while Mbonambi, Vernon Matongo, and Nitling Fushe are ready to make an impact in the second half.

Centre Ruhan Nel returns to the captaincy, playing in the midfield with Jonathan Ross, who has successfully passed concussion protocols. Damian Willemse moves to fullback, replacing Warrick Gelant, who is under observation for Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols, alongside Hajiva Daimani and Lukahanyo Vokozela.

Kobus Reinach and young talent Yakin Ahmed start in the halves following an impressive performance in the last victory over Scarlets. Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu rests, and Hashim Pead will feature as a substitute scrum-half.

D. J. Schickering and Adre Smith start in the second row, while Evan Roos moves to number 8 to allow Lou Nel to start on the blind side wing alongside Paul de Villiers.

Dobson noted: 'There are many changes, but every player, except the very experienced Bongi Mbonambi, has already played an important role for us this season.' He added that 'it will require great effort to finish this phase of the season with a fourth consecutive home win, and everyone is determined to give our fans another victory at the DHL Stadium. After this match, we go into a four-week break, so you can expect them to give everything on the field on Saturday.'

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Young Kaizer Chiefs player Mfundo Vilakazi believes in the team's victory over Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup
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Young Kaizer Chiefs player Mfundo Vilakazi believes in the team's victory over Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup

The young Kaizer Chiefs footballer, Mfundo Vilakazi, is determined to achieve victory in Zambia as the team prepares to face Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.

The match will take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with the first match of the second preliminary round scheduled for 15:00. Vilakazi, affectionately known as 'Obrigado,' is confident that Chiefs are ready for the challenge despite the high temperature in Zambia.

He told the club's official website: 'Training went well. It is very hot here, but we will manage. I think we are ready for tomorrow.' The twenty-year-old player draws inspiration from his past experience at this arena, when Chiefs defeated ZESCO United in the group stage of the Confederation Cup last season.

This familiarity with the venue helped strengthen his conviction that Amakhosi are capable of achieving another positive result in Ndola, aiming to establish a strong position before the return leg.

Vilakazi noted: 'Last time we played here, we won, so I think we should do the same again.' Chiefs hope to leverage their experience to advance to the tournament's group stage after failing to pass this hurdle last season.

Nevertheless, Vilakazi understands that the challenge posed by Red Arrows cannot be underestimated, as Chiefs have already studied their opponents ahead of the meeting. He stated: 'We saw some of them during our video session. They are a good team, and we will not underestimate them.'

The midfielder's comments reflect the focused approach of the 'Soweto giants,' who aim to secure an away win before the return match in Durban. Furthermore, Vilakazi gained international recognition after a recent call-up to the South Africa U20 national team.

While this recognition is an important step in his development, the young Chiefs player insists that his immediate priority remains helping the club fulfill its demanding continental assignment. He emphasized: 'I am very happy about it, but for now, I am fully focused on my club and what we need to do.'

For Vilakazi, the Saturday fixture provides another opportunity to demonstrate his growing maturity and contribute to Chiefs' continental ambitions. Amakhosi will require discipline, concentration, and composure against the Red Arrows team, which intends to utilize the home advantage. Thanks to the confidence drawn from Vilakazi's previous success at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Chiefs hope this experience will help them secure the first-leg advantage they are striving for.

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