Latest news with #UCTIkeyTigers
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.
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.
