Hooker Bongi Mbonambi briefly forgot his manners when coach Allister Coetzee told him that he would be in the 23-man Springbok squad for the first Test against Ireland at Newlands on Saturday. “Allister told me on Tuesday after training that I would be in‚” Mbonambi said. “I just kept quiet for a while and I forgot to say thank you. But I thanked him soon after and told him that I was looking forward to it. “Walking to my room a lot of thoughts went through my head about people who have helped me. I called my mom (Sheila) and she was happy for me. I’m really excited and honoured.” Mbonambi’s career has taken off in Cape Town at the Stormers‚ where he worked with Coetzee last year‚ after a move from the Bulls. It was a frustrating time in Pretoria for Mbonambi‚ who earned minimal game time at Loftus. A move to Cape Town has seen him in direct competition with another Bok hopeful‚ Scarra Ntubeni‚ for the Stormers No 2 jersey. The pair are in the current Bok squad as well‚ although Ntubeni was released to play for SA ‘A’ against the England Saxons in Bloemfontein on Friday night. Mbonambi‚ who knows about missing out on selection‚ felt for his provincial teammate. “Myself and Scarra have known each other for a long time‚” Mbonambi said. “We played against each other as juniors and now we play alongside each other. “He is a great guy and a very good rugby player‚ and I believe he will get his chance soon. “Moving from Pretoria to Cape Town was a massive move for me personally as well as professionally‚ but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Look where I’m standing now. “I’ve had my own mentors‚ such as pastors at the church and my family‚ and they’re all pleased for me.” Obviously‚ playing behind Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss‚ suggests that Mbonambi's chances will be limited. It's a situation he takes philosophically. "There is always competition for hookers in SA‚" Mbonambi said."I believe I'll get my opportunity and even if it's for a few seconds I'll run on to the field as quickly as I can and make sure I tackle something." - TMG Digital ..