Latest news with #Makhaza
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bergville lad scoops silver medals at African Athletics Champs
Bergville athletics star Sibongakonke Makhaza came home this afternoon (July 22) to a hero's welcome from both Woodford Primary School and Ekwaluseni High School. This after the 19-year-old won two silver medals at the third edition of the U/18-U/20 African Athletics Championships in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Makhaza's individual medal was for the second position he achieved in the 200m junior men's final. He wasn't done yet though, as he also took part in the 4×400 junior men's relay. It was another second place finish, taking his silver medal tally to two. Also read: SANDF netball frenzy hits Ladysmith When Makhaza arrived back today, everything came to a standstill in the streets of Bergville as a convoy went on parade through the CBD in honour of his achievements. Proud and smiling Bergville residents cheered madly to welcome their local hero. The warm welcome continued in the Woodford area, where learners and teachers from both Woodford Primary and Ekwaluseni High School welcomed him with pride and joy. Read the next edition of the Ladysmith Gazette for an in-depth story. Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ntokozo Makhaza's rapid rise: From Varsity Cup to Springboks in remarkable season
Ntokozo Makhaza's 2025 season has been extraordinary, transitioning from Varsity Cup Player of the Year to signing with the Cheetahs and joining the Springbok alignment camp, marking his rapid rise in South African rugby. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers The Cheetahs have since signed Makhaza as he makes the transition to professional rugby player, while putting his studies on the back burner. After being named Varsity Cup Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, the big unions began to take notice. At the beginning of the year, the 23-year-old backline player was turning in top performances in the Varsity Cup . Ntokozo Makhaza 's rise to the top of SA rugby in 2025 has been nothing short of meteoric. Makhaza's Dream Season: From Varsity Cup Victory to Springbok Alignment Camp Makhaza was also included in the Springbok alignment camp ahead of the new season, showing that he is already on the radar of coach Rassie Erasmus. Though his Springbok debut may still be some distance away, Makhaza is now determined to try and make that happen as soon as possible. 'Any rugby player's dream in South Africa is to play for the Springboks, it's a huge goal of mine,' Makhaza told 'After having a taste of the alignment camp and training sessions in Johannesburg, I am attracted to that [Springbok] culture and I just want to make sure I fit in the system. I want to make it.' 'I haven't had any calls as to when I might be returning but am very hopeful and I am ready because anything can happen.' As for the whirlwind season that has been 2025, Makhaza said: 'Yoh! I would say it has been a dream season,' Makhaza beams. 'Everything just fell together… winning the Varsity Cup with UCT, getting player of the tournament, joining the Cheetahs, and then being called into the Boks camp it's surreal. I'm just grateful. I know many people wish they were in this position. I'm taking it all in.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rassie's surprise pick Makhaza gets a chance to impress against Georgia
The former Varsity Cup star will feature for the Cheetahs in the tourists' only warm-up match in SA before taking on the Springboks. Ntokozo Makhaza during a Springbok training session in Joburg on 12 June, ahead of the start of the international season. Picture: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus might be the most interested viewer of Friday night's friendly match between the Cheetahs and international touring team, Georgia, in Bloemfontein. Not only will Erasmus be keen to see how the Georgians perform in their only warm-up match in South Africa ahead of next Saturday's Test against the Springboks in Mbombela, but he'll probably also like to see how Cheetahs winger Ntokozo Makhaza goes out wide for his new team. Remember, Makhaza was invited by Erasmus to one of the Boks' alignment camps earlier this season, following his stellar performances for the University of Cape Town's Ikeys side in the Varsity Cup. He was also part of the initial training squad ahead of the season-opener against the Barbarians. Not only does the 23-year-old Makhaza possess strength and speed out wide, he also kicks at goal. While Erasmus later released the promising backline player from his squad, the World Cup-winning coach said he would revisit his possible inclusion in the Bok group at a later stage. He said the player has a bright future. 'Measure myself against the best' Having joined the Cheetahs ahead of the Currie Cup competition, Makhaza gets a chance on Friday night to show South African rugby fans who haven't yet seen him in action what he is all about. He told OFM Sport he was looking forward to the game after getting a run against Griquas last week. 'Yeah, it was quite a step up from Varsity Cup, but I think I adjusted well as the game went on,' he said about the hit out in Bultfontein. 'Heading into the Georgia game, the big focus is going to be on physicality, but mentally I feel up for the challenge.' He added: 'I'm very excited. Like you said, they've got an electric back three, so I want to measure myself against some of the best in the world. For me, it's always about giving my best and seeing where I stand in comparison. So yeah, I'm really excited … super excited!' Georgia were beaten 34-5 by a severely weakened Ireland team missing their British and Irish Lions stars in Tbilisi last Saturday. Erasmus and the rest of the Boks squad will no doubt be quite keen to see how they go on Friday night. Kick-off in Bloemfontein is at 7pm.
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
From Varsity Cup to the Springbok squad — Rassie Erasmus says Makhaza will have his day in the green and gold
The rise of varsity student Ntokozo Makhaza from nowhere to the Springbok squad is a heartening story that gives the youth in South Africa hope that their dreams can come true. The 23-year-old from Harrismith in the Free State is studying for a degree in psychology and social development at the University of Cape Town where he has also been an amateur rugby player for Ikeys in the Varsity Cup. A month ago, Rassie Erasmus called Makhaza to invite him to the Springbok alignment camp, but he thought it was a prank call at first. Ikey's had won the Varsity Cup and Makhaza was the Player of the Tournament, as he was last year, too. Erasmus has been watching and was so impressed with the wing's performances — yes, Big Brother Rassie watches everything — that he wanted to find out more. 'Macky,' as he is known to his teammates, duly attended the camp, and Erasmus has reflected on the newcomer's participation. 'It's been a pleasure to work with him,' Erasmus said. 'He's consistently been the top Varsity Cup player, and especially in terms of point scoring, probably one of the best in the competition's history. 'You sometimes wonder, is this one of those players who slipped through the cracks? It's been good to see what he brings.'
The South African
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ntokozo Makhaza: I got a call from an unknown number
Ntokozo Makhaza stands on the brink of history, after receiving a maiden Springbok call up last week. Makhaza first made headlines when he was first named in the second alignment camp squad by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. Often known for his 'genius' rugby ideas and strategies, Erasmus pulled another one out of the hat with Makhaza. The 2x World Cup winning mentor had done something similar before. This time last year, he called up former NWU Pukke Varsity Cup winning captain Sampie Swiegers . Starring at what was looking like a brewing tighthead prop crisis, Eramsus turned to the burly star for cover. But in the end, it was just for cover. But with Makhaza, while many were expecting a similar situation, it proved different. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika 's Yolulwe Qoshe in Durban, he describes how he found out about his Springbok alignment camp call. 'I think I was overjoyed. I obviously, initially got the text from my coach, like two days before we won the Varsity Cup (with UCT Ikeys). Him telling me that, Rassie Erasmus asked for my number, at first I thought he was joking. Only for him to say no, he is being honest and telling the truth. And then from then on I was just overjoyed. I think everyday for a month after that, I was expecting that call from him, which I didn't get.' Makhaza recalls. Makhaza then remembers the moment things seemed to change in his favour, with that Springbok call finally coming! ' Until this one morning, I got a call from an unknown number, picked it up and it was Rassie (Erasmus). In that moment, I don't remember half the conversation, I was just overjoyed! But it's also very inspiring, to have someone like him looking at Varsity rugby, a 2x World Cup winner. Sees something in me' Makhaza continued. Makhaza relieves the moment he walked into the alignment camp, wearing the same Springbok tracksuit as some World Cup winners. ' I felt humbled and honoured I was like, 'is this really me? Being in the presence of all these players who have made a name for themselves in rugby. World Cup winners like Siya Kolisi. I mean, I even remember the people I was sitting around. In front of me was (Damian) Willemse, to his right was Kolisi, to his right was (Eben) Etzebeth, behind me was (Lukhanyo) Am, (Aphelele) Fassi, Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi' recalled Makhaza about being in the presence of experienced Springboks. 'In that moment I tried to pinch myself, I look down, I was wearing a Springbok top and I was like, is this really me, being in this environment. But it was a very welcoming experience. I never felt left out in anyway. That's just credit to the culture that they have and it made me want to be a part of it more' Makhaza continued. The 23-year-old Bethlehem-born star could be set for a historic feat. This by becoming the first player to be capped by the Springboks before playing a professional game. Makhaza says achieving that would mean the world to himself and his family. 'It would probably feel unreal at that moment but, it would be a testament to what people have done for me. The support that they've given me, my parents, my coaches, teammates, teachers and all my mentors along the way. So if I was to ever make that team it would be testament to their hard work, not just mine.' He concluded. Watch the video below: Makhaza's first opportunity for a Springbok debut will be against the Barbarians on the 28th of June. Should Erasmus give the Varsity Cup's top points scorer of all time a debut? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
