Bongi Msomi, Christian Sadie to carry SA flag at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Proteas netball captain Bongi Msomi and para-swimmer Christian Sadie will carry South Africa's flag at the opening ceremony of this week's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. 

Sascoc confirmed on Monday that Msomi and Sadie will be Team SA's two flag bearers at Thursday's opening ceremony, which is scheduled for 21:00 SA time.

"Congratulations to Bongi and Christian on their appointment," said Lwandile Simelane, the Team SA Chef de Mission.

"Both exemplify the spirit of the Games and both are dedicated and high-achieving athletes. They competed at the 2018 Games in Gold Coast and have done themselves and their country proud on the international stage on numerous occasions over the years.

"This is a ground-breaking Games for Team SA and we are proud to be able to hand Bongi and Christian the honour of carrying the flag on such an auspicious occasion as the opening ceremony."

READ | Inspiring Msomi hopes to lead SA to historic netball podium: 'We'll turn the tables around'

Msomi will lead Team SA in her third Commonwealth Games appearance as the Proteas are in Group A, where they'll face Australia, Jamaica, Scotland, Wales and Barbados. The top two countries from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

The South African netball team, ranked fifth in the world, has never reached the podium at the Commonwealth Games.

Msomi will lead a team determined to make a strong impression at these Games in Birmingham. 

Meanwhile, Sadie, who recently won silver at the World Para Swimming Championships, will be striving to continue with his career progression when he takes the plunge in the pool later this week.

Sascoc added that Team SA will be represented by the "most transformed team in the country's history".

For the first time in