Kings: 'Yes, we WANT Bongi'

REACTION: The Southern Kings have confirmed their brazen bid to lure Springbok hooker Mbongeni Theo Mbonambi away from Cape Town.

However, they deny their offer is near the astronomical amounts mentioned in media reports.

Reports this week suggested the Kings have offered Mbonambi more than ZAR10-million over the next two-and-a-half seasons.

This is believed to be ZAR2-million more than what he would earn at the Stormers in the same period.

However, Southern Kings High-performance Director Robbi Kempson scoffed at the ZAR10-million figure.

"It is accurate that we have made him an offer," Kempson, who is also the interim coach of the Kings, told @rugby365com in an interview.

"However, the amount is definitely not accurate. Through his agent, we have made him an offer."

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Kempson suggested that ZAR10-million over three years would be closer to the truth, but in reality the Kings' offer it is less than that.

"Our offer is 'reasonably' above what Province has offered, but it is not [that] ridiculous."

The Kings boss also confirmed that their recruitment drive is geared to land more big names.

"I have been instructed by my board and they are ambitious," he said, adding: "In line with that, we want the best possible players we can get our hands on.

"Bongi is one of those.

"As other players become available, we will make some offer."

It is believed Mbonambi will make a call on his future sooner, rather than later - possibly next week already.

Mbonambi will not feature for the Springboks when they face Los Pumas in a World Cup warm-up match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

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