From small-town dreamer to Springbok contender: Ntokozo Makhaza’s meteoric rise

When Ntokozo Makhaza received a text message from South African Rugby congratulating him on his inclusion in the Springboks’ latest alignment camp, he wasn’t entirely sure it was real.

“I actually thought they were just reaching out to congratulate me on the Varsity Cup season,” he says, a shy laugh in his voice. “It didn’t sink in until I saw the official announcement on the Springboks' social media page.”

For the 23-year-old, it was a moment of disbelief, pride, and validation – a reminder that the rugby world was indeed watching.

Makhaza, a student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has become one of South Africa’s most exciting young rugby prospects. His inclusion in the 54-man Springbok alignment camp came on the back of a stellar Varsity Cup season, where he was once again named Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year. It was his second consecutive Player of the Year accolade – a rare feat that confirms both his consistency and brilliance.

“I’m just happy and motivated to see that people are watching and monitoring varsity rugby.”

“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.”

Born and raised in the small town of Harrismith, nestled in the rugby-rich Free State, Makhaza’s early years were shaped by soccer, the more dominant sport in his community. But when rugby was introduced in primary school, something clicked.

“I was small and fast, and I enjoyed weaving through defenders,” he recalls. “Once I started playing, I just fell in love with the game.”

Though no one in his family had a background in rugby, Makhaza found inspiration in players like Patrick Lambie – not the biggest athlete on the field, but intelligent, courageous, and clinical. “Seeing someone smaller like me succeed made me think: ‘Why not me?’”

UCT a launchpad for excellence

Makhaza’s journey to the top has been paved not just with hard tackles and sprinting tries, but also with academic ambition. At UCT, he’s pursued a degree in psychology and social development, crediting the university’s holistic support for nurturing both his athletic and academic growth.

“UCT fosters excellence and talent, not just in academics, but across everything. And being the best university in the southern hemisphere is testimony to that. There’s a winning culture at UCT. And the fact the university is so diverse contributes to our success. Because we represent all cultural groups, meaning they understand where each student is coming from, and they try their best to accommodate everyone, which helps each person to do his best.”

That culture bore fruit in the most spectacular way this year when Makhaza played a leading role in guiding the UCT Ikey Tigers to Varsity Cup glory, scoring 32 points in the final against Stellenbosch University (Maties) and finishing the season with a staggering 155 points.

“It was my third consecutive final, so I was more excited than nervous,” he says. “We’d fallen short before, but this time we knew we could finish the job. When we finally lifted that trophy … it was unreal.”

A new chapter with the Cheetahs

In July 2025, Makhaza will join the Free State Cheetahs for the upcoming Currie Cup season, another major step in his already impressive rise. For him, the move is more than just a professional opportunity; it’s a homecoming of sorts and a chance to contribute to rebuilding a team that’s investing in youth.

“They’re giving youngsters a chance, and I want to make the most of that,” he says. “It’s about learning, growing, and giving my best.”

“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.”

For now, his focus remains on soaking up everything he can at the Springbok alignment camp, something he never imagined even in his wildest dream.

“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 him 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.”

More than rugby

Makhaza speaks with gratitude about the role UCT played in shaping his mindset and maturity – particularly its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“UCT really makes an effort to understand where each student is coming from. They accommodate and support you to bring out your best,” he says.

His message to others is equally powerful: “Work hard. Believe in yourself. The sky is not the limit – it’s just the start.”

Makhaza is one course short before he completes his degree; and is expected to graduate early next year, making him not just a rugby star but a role model for academic and athletic excellence.

Mark Bashe, Manager of UCT Sport and Recreation, said the selection of Makhaza to the national training camp is a significant milestone for UCT Sport and the university as a whole.

“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 a historic moment for UCT and for university sport in South Africa. What makes it even more remarkable is that Makhaza is not affiliated with a union team or a professional franchise, yet he has been called up to a Springbok alignment camp. That’s virtually unheard of.

“Typically, a player would progress by first joining a provincial Currie Cup team – like Western Province – while also being a student, and only then be considered for national selection. In this case, Makhaza has gone directly from being a university player to being signed by the Cheetahs, and even before playing his first professional match, he’s already caught the eye of Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus.

“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud. This is proof that UCT Rugby is competing at the highest level. We have world-class coaches and are developing top-tier talent capable of catching the attention of national selectors. While being invited to an alignment camp doesn’t mean automatic selection for the Springboks, it shows that Makhaza is firmly on the radar. And that speaks volumes about the quality of our programme.”