A 23-year old UCT-student, Ntokozo Makhaza has had his rugby dreams come true, after he was selected for the Springboks’ latest alignment camp. Ntokozo Makhaza says he thought the Springboks were reaching out to him, to congratulate him on his Varsity Cup season and then it sinked in, when he saw the official announcement on the Springboks’ social media page.

“It inspired me to believe more that the dreams I have are possible,” Makhaza elaborated.

WATCH: Ntokozo Makhaza’s rise: From Varsity Cup champion to Springbok contender

UCT student, Ntokozo Makhaza, had his rugby dreams come true

According to Velisile Bukula from the UCT Communication and Marketing Department, the selection of Makhaza for the Springbok camp marks a landmark achievement for both the 23-year-old and university rugby in the country.

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

He says the call-up places Makhaza among the country’s top 54 players considered for national selection. Bukula says this is an extraordinary recognition for a player who has not yet signed to a professional franchise and is still completing his degree at UCT.

Historic Springbok call-up

He added that Makhaza has had an amazing year, where he dominated in 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.

Makhaza says, “I was very surprised that I’m part of the camp. A bit nervous, but excited.”

 

Some facts about Makhaza:

• He was born in Harrismith in the Free State.
• Grew up playing soccer, but switched to rugby in primary school.
• Quickly fell in love with the sport.
• He was inspired by smaller, strategic players like Patrick Lambie.
• Found his place on the field as a fast, intelligent backline player.

The manager at UCT Sport and Recreation, Mark Bashe, described Makhaza’s selection as “a historic moment for UCT and for university sport in South Africa.” He says 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.

Bashe added, “It’s virtually unheard of for a player to be invited to a Springbok alignment camp without first playing for a professional team.”

He added that 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. Bashe elaborated that in July of this year, Makhaza will take the next step in his career by joining the Free State Cheetahs for the upcoming Currie Cup season. He sees this move as both a professional opportunity and a return home.

“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud. This shows that UCT Rugby is developing top-tier talent capable of competing on the national stage.”

 

Off the field, Makhaza is pursuing a degree in psychology and social development at UCT. He is one course short of completing his degree and is on track to graduate early next year.

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