UCT rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza shocked by Boks alignment camp call up
Image: Lerato Maduna
BEING selected for the Springboks' latest alignment camp was the last thing on University of Cape Town (UCT) student and rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza's mind.
After all, the 23-year-old has not yet signed to a professional franchise and is still completing his degree. It's his performances during the recent FNB Varsity Cup that not only saw his Ikey Tigers side clinching the title, but earned him a spot in the country's top 54 players considered for national selection.
'I actually thought they were just reaching out to congratulate me on the Varsity Cup season. It didn't sink in until I saw the official announcement on the Springboks' social media page. I was very surprised that I'm part of the camp; a bit nervous, but excited. I'm just happy and motivated to see that people are watching and monitoring varsity rugby. It inspired me to believe more that the dreams I have are possible.'
The Springbok invitation is the latest milestone in what has already been a standout year for Makhaza. He dominated the 2025 Varsity Cup, guiding the UCT Ikey Tigers to victory and earning both Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year honours – for the second consecutive year.
Born in Harrismith in the Free State, Makhaza grew up playing soccer, but switched to rugby in primary school, quickly falling in love with the sport. Inspired by smaller, strategic players like Patrick Lambie, he found his place on the field as a fast, intelligent backline player.
He said he is focused on absorbing everything he can during the Springbok alignment camp.
'If anyone would say I would be part of the Springbok aligning camp a few years back or even at the beginning of this year I would have looked at them and laughed. To me it's an honour and I'm privileged and humbled. I think it's been created by the coaches and players because of the opportunity and platform they gave me. I'm humbled and excited for the opportunity.
'To be in the camp is an awesome opportunity of learning for me. The main goal is to learn and absorb as much as I can so that when I join the Cheetahs I'm better than when I was here at UCT. I'm always looking to improve and get better, and I know the camp will provide me with a lot of detail and I will find a lot of growth there.'
In July 2025, Makhaza will take the next step in his career by joining the Free State Cheetahs for the upcoming Currie Cup season – a move he sees as both a professional opportunity and a return home.
'They're giving youngsters a chance, and I want to make the most of that. It's about learning, growing and giving my best.'
Cape Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
30 minutes ago
- IOL News
We got lucky at times, says Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt after beating Springboks
'I've coached enough teams where you get a very rapid start, and it can sometimes cause a bit of a lapse in effort and concentration,' Schmidt said. 'I think the Boks just gave us a little bit of belief. I think we won the second quarter 5–0, so we had a little win there, and that gave a little bit of confidence.' It was the Wallabies' first win at Ellis Park since 1963 and their first on the Highveld since 2010. The Wallabies soaked up a 22-0 deficit to charge home in the second half, scoring six tries, with several of them interception gifts from the Springboks. Magnanimous Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt had the good grace to say that the 38–22 scoreline at Ellis Park was not a true reflection of the closeness of the game. The Boks played too loosely, and two tries were gifted to the Wallabies thanks to poor passing, while the South African lineout also began to creak. At the same time, the Wallabies stepped up their work at the breakdown, with Player of the Match Fraser McReight winning crucial turnovers. 'The game was probably closer than the score dictates in that we scored a couple of tries when they looked very dangerous. And we got them on the break,' Schmidt said. 'There were a couple of desperate tackles where guys were diving to just get a foot, or get a half jersey. We are realistic about just how good they are, and sometimes you just get a bit of luck.' Schmidt is expecting backlash from a more efficient Bok team next week in Cape Town. 'To be honest, as well as Fraser did and as well as the other players did, we were probably a little bit lucky. Because Pieter-Steph at one stage went to pick-and-go, and he just knocked it on with the tryline in front of him. And there were a couple of uncharacteristic errors from the Springboks, where next week, if they pick-and-go there, and he's such a powerful and athletic man, he will be a handful. 'The reality is that for us is we know we know we were under pressure and we know that pressure is coming.'
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- TimesLIVE
Schmidt hails courageous Australia after famous win over Springboks
Australia coach Joe Schmidt hailed his side's courage side as they fought back from 22 points down to score five second-half tries and beat South Africa 38-22 in the cauldron of Ellis Park on Saturday. It ended a 62-year wait for Australia to claim victory at the Springboks' spiritual home, one that had looked unlikely after an excellent first quarter from the home side in their Rugby Championship opener. Schmidt admitted the first 20 minutes 'was not good for the heart', but Australia then took control of the game for a win that will rank among their best in Test rugby. 'At 22-0 down after the first quarter, there was real courage again from the players,' Schmidt told SuperSport. 'We were forced to play catch-up and take a few risks, and there were a few lucky bounces for us, so we are not going to get too carried away. 'But at the same time I am incredibly proud of the group. I am realistic about getting a little bit of luck, but delighted we came back. 1963 was a long time ago, so the players are delighted.'
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
'Grace of God': Bongi Mbonambi wife on 8th anniversary
Anastacia Mbonambi penned a touching anniversary tribute to her husband of eight years, Springboks player Bongi Mbonambi on Tuesday 12 August. Springboks player Bongi Mbonambi and his wife celebrated eight years of marriage on 12 August. Mrs Mbonambi took to Instagram to pen an anniversary tribute to her husband. She expressed that eight years of marriage was by the grace of God. Take a look… 'Happy Anniversary my love ❤️🥰 8yrs of Marriage by the Grace of God 🙏🏽🥹. As in Literally by the grace of God, because this life will throw you some curveballs & when things get hard….. man lol it does get HARD especially with your profession,' he wrote. 'I hope & pray the years get sweeter & filled with more love 🥰 🙏🏽💕 & our beautiful girls gets to witness what is a healthy union, partnership & friendship filled with love, honour & respect. I love you ❤️,' he continued. Take a look here. Read more on the Springbok players wife here. The pair tied the knot in 2017 at the Webersburg wine estate in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. Bongi and Anastacia reportedly met at a church in Cape Town, while Bongi was playing for the Stormers. The couple have two daughters together. Bongi is also a father to a teenage daughter, he reportedly welcomed with Koketso Matlala. Bongi also penned a sweet tribute to Anastacia. 'Happy 8th year anniversary my beautiful wife. ❤️😍🥰 here 🥂 is to many more anniversaries by the Grace and Mercy of GOD. it's hasn't been perfect but definitely worth it… thank you for your love and patience and so much care for our little family. You have blessed me with two beautiful girls who are our world. ❤️🥰😍🥹,' he wrote. '8 years for slapping the same sexy cheeks 🍑😂here's to many more. ❤️🥂until the wheels fall off my Lifie ❤️😍,' he continued. Take a look here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
