<\/p>\n
Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025)<\/em> – Hailing from the small town of Harrismith in the Free State, Ntokozo Makhaza grew up playing a lot of soccer, but that soon changed when he was introduced to rugby in primary school, probably the very best thing to happen to him!<\/p>\n He currently plays for the UCT Ikeys\u00a0Tigers as a wing and fullback and has recently become one of South Africa\u2019s most exciting young rugby prospects.<\/p>\n Makhaza was for the second time named Player of the Year as well as Backline Player of the Year in the recent Varsity Cup season. But that is just the tip of the iceberg for the young player\u2019s promising career, as he recently was informed that he has been included in the 54-man Springbok alignment camp!<\/p>\n The 23-year-old admitted that receiving the news came as a surprise, and that he couldn\u2019t help but wonder if it was legit. However, once it was confirmed, Makhaza shared that he was nervous and excited for the opportunity to level up his game.<\/p>\n \u201cI was very surprised that I\u2019m part of the camp. A bit nervous, but excited. I\u2019m 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,\u201d Makhaza tells UCT<\/a>, where he is a Bachelor of Social Science student.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n In another major step in his already impressive rise, Makhaza will also join the Free State Cheetahs in July for the upcoming Currie Cup season, affording him the opportunity to contribute to rebuilding a team that\u2019s investing in youth.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re giving youngsters a chance, and I want to make the most of that,\u201d he says. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about learning, growing, and giving my best.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n With every opportunity that comes this rugby player’s way, Makhaza’s main focus remains on soaking up everything he can at the Springbok alignment camp, something he never imagined even in his wildest dreams.<\/p>\n \u201cIf anyone would say I would be part of the Springbok alignment camp a few years back, or even at the beginning of this year, I would have looked at him and laughed. <\/span><\/p>\n “To me, it\u2019s an honour and I\u2019m privileged and humbled. I think it\u2019s been created by the coaches and players because of the opportunity and platform they gave me. I\u2019m humbled and excited for the opportunity,” shares a grateful Makhaza.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n