UCT rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza shocked by Boks alignment camp call up

BEING selected for the Springboks’ latest alignment camp was the last thing on University of Cape Town (UCT) student and rugby sensation Ntokozo Makhaza's mind.

After all, the 23-year-old has not yet signed to a professional franchise and is still completing his degree. It’s his performances during the recent FNB Varsity Cup that not only saw his Ikey Tigers side clinching the title, but earned him a spot in the country’s top 54 players considered for national selection.

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

The Springbok invitation is the latest milestone in what has already been a standout year for Makhaza. He dominated 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.

Born in Harrismith in the Free State, Makhaza grew up playing soccer, but switched to rugby in primary school, quickly falling in love with the sport. Inspired by smaller, strategic players like Patrick Lambie, he found his place on the field as a fast, intelligent backline player.

He said he is focused on absorbing everything he can during the Springbok alignment camp.

“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 them 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.”

In July 2025, Makhaza will take the next step in his career by joining the Free State Cheetahs for the upcoming Currie Cup season – a move he sees as both a professional opportunity and a return home.

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

Cape Times