Latest news with #VarsityCupPlayeroftheYear
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.
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.
