Latest news with #Makhaza
The South African
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rising star can hardly remember call from Rassie Erasmus
In the latest Springbok group that will gather for an upcoming alignment camp, the biggest 'bolter' in terms of selection was undoubtedly Ntokozo Makhaza. The flying winger was recently named both the 2025 Varsity Cup Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year, and proved to be an instrumental figure for the UCT Ikey Tigers on their charge to the title. It was the second consecutive year that Makhaza was named Varsity Cup Player of the Year, and it was also his third consecutive Varsity Cup final, which has ultimately earned him both a contract with the Cheetahs and a call-up to the Springboks. 'One morning I had just woken up and I received a call from an unknown number. I picked it up and I hear that tone and it was Rassie,' Makhaza told News24 . 'Do you know who this is?' Erasmus asked. 'I don't remember half the conversation, if I'm honest. I was in shock,' Makhaza recalled. 'But the gist of it was that I had stood out and they just want to have a look at me. 'I'm still in disbelief. Every day I wake up and think: 'Is this really happening?'' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
UCT student Ntokozo Makhaza makes history with Springboks alignment camp selection
University of Cape Town student and rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza has made headlines by being selected for the Springboks' alignment camp, marking a significant milestone in his sporting career while still pursuing his degree. Image: supplied University of Cape Town (UCT) student and rugby star Ntokozo Makhaza has been selected for the Springboks' alignment camp, a rare feat for a non-professional player still completing his degree. The 23-year-old has made history and a landmark for the university with this sporting achievement. "I'm doing a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Psychology and Social Development. I have one more course in the 2nd Semester to complete my degree. So if all goes well I should be completing my studies at the end of this year and graduating next year," said Makhaza when asked by Cape Argus. According to UCT, the call-up places Makhaza among the country's top 54 players considered for national selection. Makhaza was born in Harrismith in the Free State, and grew up playing soccer, but switched to rugby in primary school, quickly falling in love with the sport. He was inspired by smaller, strategic players such as Patrick Lambie and quickly found his place on the field as a fast, intelligent backline player. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Makhaza said he is focused on the opportunity of being selected for the Springbok alignment camp and was surprised when he learnt that he was chosen. '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,' said Makhaza. '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 university said 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. 'If anyone would say I would be part of the Springbok alignment 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. '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." Makhaza said his success was also due to the university's support structures and inclusive culture for helping him grow as an athlete and a student. He scored 32 points in the Varsity Cup final against Stellenbosch University, leading UCT to the championship and finishing the season with 155 points. Makhaza will take the next step in his career by joining the Free State Cheetahs for the upcoming Currie Cup season in July which he sees as a professional opportunity and a return home. Mark Bashe, manager of UCT Sport and Recreation, described Makhaza's selection as 'a historic moment for UCT and for university sport in South Africa.' 'This achievement proves that when a student athlete performs at an exceptional level, they are not only recognised by our own coaches and provincial selectors but also by national coaches. It's virtually unheard of for a player to be invited to a Springbok alignment camp without first playing for a professional team,' Bashe said. Cape Argus
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
UCT rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza shocked by Boks alignment camp call up
UCT student and rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza has been selected for the Springboks' latest alignment camp. 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
The South African
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Who is the Varsity Cup star called up by Springboks?
On Thursday, Rassie Erasmus named a group of 54 local and overseas-based players to attend the Springboks' next alignment camp, and the biggest 'bolter' in terms of selection was undoubtedly Ntokozo Makhaza. Makhaza has made a name for himself in recent seasons of the Varsity Cup, and it once again demonstrates how the Springboks are willing to reward talented players from different feeder systems. Makhaza, who was recently named both the 2025 Varsity Cup Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year, proved to be an instrumental figure for the UCT Ikey Tigers on their charge to the title. The fleet-footed winger, who is also a talented goal-kicker, was particularly dominant in the final – contributing a remarkable 32 points against Maties, bringing his season tally to 155. It was the second consecutive year that Makhaza was named Varsity Cup Player of the Year, and it was also his third consecutive Varsity Cup final. Born in Bethlehem in the Free State, the 23-year-old speedster will be joining the Cheetahs ahead of the 2025 Currie Cup season, and there is certainly a lot to like about the powerful outside back. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Varsity Cup star Ntokozo Makhaza fast tracked into Springbok camp
Versatile wing Ntokozo Makhaza is one of three new players who cracked an invite to the second Springbok alignment camp of the year. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday invited Makhaza, Juarno Augustus, and Vincent Tshituka to their first-ever national alignment camps. The camps will take place in person in Cape Town for local players, and virtually for players based outside South Africa, on 22 May and 23 May respectively. Erasmus invited a grand total of 54 players to the camps, with thirty-six scheduled to attend the in-person camp and 18 players currently plying their trade abroad in Japan and the northern hemisphere joining virtually. The group includes eight uncapped players, but only three of them – Makhaza, Augustus and Tshituka – are first recruits into the Springbok set-up. Makhaza inclusion in particular is fascinating, because it is solely based on his excellent form in the Varsity Cup, as he is yet to play any professional rugby at provincial and franchise level. The 23-year-old UCT Ikeys speedster, who was crowned Varsity Cup Player of the Year for two seasons running in 2024 and 2025, will join the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup later this year. Players invited to Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town: Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks). Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Dynaboars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
