Bongi Msomi appointed Chef de Mission for Team SA at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has announced the appointment of Bongi

Msomi as Chef de Mission for Team South Africa at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 23rd Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026, featuring 10 sports and six para sports.

Msomi (38) continues her transition from one of South Africa’s most acclaimed international athletes to a leadership role in sporting administration. She will be responsible for leading Team SA throughout the Games, ensuring athlete welfare, team cohesion and performance support.

Her appointment follows a distinguished playing career in which she represented South Africa’s netball team, the Spar Proteas, in 171 matches - the majority as captain. Msomi competed at four Netball World Cups and three Commonwealth Games – Glasgow 2014, Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.

Currently the head coach at the University of Johannesburg, Msomi recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Management, strengthening her transition into sports leadership.

In making the announcement, SASCOC President, Barry Hendricks said: “First and foremost I would like to congratulate Bongi on her appointment as Chef de Mission for Team SA at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. She is the perfect example of a pathway system that works and her advancement is to be celebrated.

“Her ability and leadership capabilities were quickly recognised and she went on to captain the South African team for seven years. She has continued to flourish in her retirement and it is wonderful to see that she has continued her role in sport. I have no doubt that she will prove to be a resounding success and she will go from strength to strength as a sporting administrator.”

Msomi’s appointment follows SASCOC’s decision to involve former athletes in team leadership roles at the multi-coded Games where Team SA will be participating. In recent Games, Sizwe Ndlovu (rowing, 2012 Summer Olympics) was appointed as Deputy Chef de

Mission at the 2025 African Youth Games held in Luanda, Angola; while Alexander Heath (alpine skiing, 1998 Winter Olympic Games; 2002 Winter Olympic Games; 2006 Winter Olympic Games) was appointed as the Chef de Mission for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter

Olympic Games.

Joining in the plaudits, SASCOC CEO, Nozipho Jafta added, “This is a proud, groundbreaking moment and one which is emotional. Bongi came from a disadvantaged township background, one of eight children in the family and she has continued to excel and

inspire a whole generation.

“At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Bongi carried the South African flag in the opening ceremony and now, just four years later, she is entrusted with being our Chef de Mission for Team SA in Glasgow. I join the entire South African sporting nation in wishing her well for

what lies ahead.”

Msomi defined her appoint as “a great honour.” She went on to add that, “Having represented South Africa as both a player and captain across multiple Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cups, this role holds deep personal meaning for me. I understand the pride,

responsibility, and commitment that comes with wearing the South African badge.

“I believe that the combination of international playing experience, leadership in high-performance environments, academic development and a commitment to athlete empowerment places me in a strong position to support and lead Team South Africa with

excellence, unity, and purpose at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. As a sportswoman, this is also an opportunity for me to continue contributing towards creating an environment where our athletes can thrive and proudly showcase the absolute best of South Africa.”