Latest news with #Makhaza
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rassie's surprise pick Makhaza gets a chance to impress against Georgia
The former Varsity Cup star will feature for the Cheetahs in the tourists' only warm-up match in SA before taking on the Springboks. Ntokozo Makhaza during a Springbok training session in Joburg on 12 June, ahead of the start of the international season. Picture: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus might be the most interested viewer of Friday night's friendly match between the Cheetahs and international touring team, Georgia, in Bloemfontein. Not only will Erasmus be keen to see how the Georgians perform in their only warm-up match in South Africa ahead of next Saturday's Test against the Springboks in Mbombela, but he'll probably also like to see how Cheetahs winger Ntokozo Makhaza goes out wide for his new team. Remember, Makhaza was invited by Erasmus to one of the Boks' alignment camps earlier this season, following his stellar performances for the University of Cape Town's Ikeys side in the Varsity Cup. He was also part of the initial training squad ahead of the season-opener against the Barbarians. Not only does the 23-year-old Makhaza possess strength and speed out wide, he also kicks at goal. While Erasmus later released the promising backline player from his squad, the World Cup-winning coach said he would revisit his possible inclusion in the Bok group at a later stage. He said the player has a bright future. 'Measure myself against the best' Having joined the Cheetahs ahead of the Currie Cup competition, Makhaza gets a chance on Friday night to show South African rugby fans who haven't yet seen him in action what he is all about. He told OFM Sport he was looking forward to the game after getting a run against Griquas last week. 'Yeah, it was quite a step up from Varsity Cup, but I think I adjusted well as the game went on,' he said about the hit out in Bultfontein. 'Heading into the Georgia game, the big focus is going to be on physicality, but mentally I feel up for the challenge.' He added: 'I'm very excited. Like you said, they've got an electric back three, so I want to measure myself against some of the best in the world. For me, it's always about giving my best and seeing where I stand in comparison. So yeah, I'm really excited … super excited!' Georgia were beaten 34-5 by a severely weakened Ireland team missing their British and Irish Lions stars in Tbilisi last Saturday. Erasmus and the rest of the Boks squad will no doubt be quite keen to see how they go on Friday night. Kick-off in Bloemfontein is at 7pm.
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
From Varsity Cup to the Springbok squad — Rassie Erasmus says Makhaza will have his day in the green and gold
The rise of varsity student Ntokozo Makhaza from nowhere to the Springbok squad is a heartening story that gives the youth in South Africa hope that their dreams can come true. The 23-year-old from Harrismith in the Free State is studying for a degree in psychology and social development at the University of Cape Town where he has also been an amateur rugby player for Ikeys in the Varsity Cup. A month ago, Rassie Erasmus called Makhaza to invite him to the Springbok alignment camp, but he thought it was a prank call at first. Ikey's had won the Varsity Cup and Makhaza was the Player of the Tournament, as he was last year, too. Erasmus has been watching and was so impressed with the wing's performances — yes, Big Brother Rassie watches everything — that he wanted to find out more. 'Macky,' as he is known to his teammates, duly attended the camp, and Erasmus has reflected on the newcomer's participation. 'It's been a pleasure to work with him,' Erasmus said. 'He's consistently been the top Varsity Cup player, and especially in terms of point scoring, probably one of the best in the competition's history. 'You sometimes wonder, is this one of those players who slipped through the cracks? It's been good to see what he brings.'
The South African
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ntokozo Makhaza: I got a call from an unknown number
Ntokozo Makhaza stands on the brink of history, after receiving a maiden Springbok call up last week. Makhaza first made headlines when he was first named in the second alignment camp squad by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. Often known for his 'genius' rugby ideas and strategies, Erasmus pulled another one out of the hat with Makhaza. The 2x World Cup winning mentor had done something similar before. This time last year, he called up former NWU Pukke Varsity Cup winning captain Sampie Swiegers . Starring at what was looking like a brewing tighthead prop crisis, Eramsus turned to the burly star for cover. But in the end, it was just for cover. But with Makhaza, while many were expecting a similar situation, it proved different. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika 's Yolulwe Qoshe in Durban, he describes how he found out about his Springbok alignment camp call. 'I think I was overjoyed. I obviously, initially got the text from my coach, like two days before we won the Varsity Cup (with UCT Ikeys). Him telling me that, Rassie Erasmus asked for my number, at first I thought he was joking. Only for him to say no, he is being honest and telling the truth. And then from then on I was just overjoyed. I think everyday for a month after that, I was expecting that call from him, which I didn't get.' Makhaza recalls. Makhaza then remembers the moment things seemed to change in his favour, with that Springbok call finally coming! ' Until this one morning, I got a call from an unknown number, picked it up and it was Rassie (Erasmus). In that moment, I don't remember half the conversation, I was just overjoyed! But it's also very inspiring, to have someone like him looking at Varsity rugby, a 2x World Cup winner. Sees something in me' Makhaza continued. Makhaza relieves the moment he walked into the alignment camp, wearing the same Springbok tracksuit as some World Cup winners. ' I felt humbled and honoured I was like, 'is this really me? Being in the presence of all these players who have made a name for themselves in rugby. World Cup winners like Siya Kolisi. I mean, I even remember the people I was sitting around. In front of me was (Damian) Willemse, to his right was Kolisi, to his right was (Eben) Etzebeth, behind me was (Lukhanyo) Am, (Aphelele) Fassi, Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi' recalled Makhaza about being in the presence of experienced Springboks. 'In that moment I tried to pinch myself, I look down, I was wearing a Springbok top and I was like, is this really me, being in this environment. But it was a very welcoming experience. I never felt left out in anyway. That's just credit to the culture that they have and it made me want to be a part of it more' Makhaza continued. The 23-year-old Bethlehem-born star could be set for a historic feat. This by becoming the first player to be capped by the Springboks before playing a professional game. Makhaza says achieving that would mean the world to himself and his family. 'It would probably feel unreal at that moment but, it would be a testament to what people have done for me. The support that they've given me, my parents, my coaches, teammates, teachers and all my mentors along the way. So if I was to ever make that team it would be testament to their hard work, not just mine.' He concluded. Watch the video below: Makhaza's first opportunity for a Springbok debut will be against the Barbarians on the 28th of June. Should Erasmus give the Varsity Cup's top points scorer of all time a debut? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
Reuters
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Erasmus backs university student Makhaza to be future Springbok
June 12 (Reuters) - Coach Rassie Erasmus does not foresee an immediate Springbok cap for Ntokozo Makhaza, but believes the winger will one day wear the green and gold having been called into the South Africa squad without playing a game of professional rugby. Makhaza, 23, who found out about his selection for the start of the international season on social media, plays for the University of Cape Town in South Africa's Varsity Cup competition and is a reliable goal-kicker and speedy on the wing. He is studying for a degree in psychology and social development and has never been tested against professional players. "It's been a pleasure to work with him," Erasmus told reporters on Thursday. "He's consistently been the top Varsity Cup player, and especially in terms of point scoring, probably one of the best in the competition's history. "You sometimes wonder, is this one of those players who slipped through the cracks? It's been good to see what he brings." Erasmus suggests the June 28 meeting with the Barbarians in Cape Town, and July's two tests against Italy and one versus Georgia, might come too soon, but believes Makhaza could wear the jersey in the future. "We definitely think he's someone who could play for the Springboks one day. It might be a bit early now. He's slotted in really well, but we're also being realistic. Having said that, he's certainly not far off the pace," Erasmus said. "I think he's going to make it one day. And if we hadn't given him this chance, we'd never know." Erasmus revealed there are several players with long-term injuries that are unlikely to feature for the Springboks this year – props Trevor Nyakane and Frans Malherbe, hooker/loose-forward Deon Fourie, and loose-forwards Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom. Better news is the return to fitness in the coming weeks of several World Cup winners, including flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, number eight Jasper Wiese and scrumhalf Grant Williams.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
From UCT Ikey Tigers to Springboks: the rise of Ntokozo Makhaza
Ntokozo Makhaza Image: Lerato Maduna The spectacular rise of UCT rugby star Ntokozo Makhaza has reached a thrilling new high with his first official call-up to the Springbok squad - remarkably, before even making his senior Currie Cup debut. Makhaza, a standout performer for the UCT Ikey Tigers and a student pursuing a degree in psychology and social development, was on Thursday named in Rassie Erasmus' first Springbok squad of the 2025 season. He joins the 54-man squad as one of nine uncapped players, with the reigning back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions set to open their season against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium on June 28. The news came as a complete surprise for the fleet-footed winger, who will soon join the Toyota Cheetahs. 'To be honest, I found out through social media,' he said. 'Someone tagged me and said congratulations, and at first, I wasn't even sure what it was about. Then I saw a post on a rugby page and checked for myself - there was my name.' A pivotal figure in UCT's Varsity Cup triumph this year and back-to-back Varsity Cup Player of the Year, Makhaza described the moment as surreal. 'I didn't come through the traditional ranks. I wasn't a standout in a professional setup. But someone believed in me, and that means a lot.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Makhaza caught the eye of national coaches during last month's Springbok alignment camp, where he impressed among some of the sport's biggest names, such as Siya Kolisi, Damien Willemse, Bongi Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am and others. 'It was surreal to be surrounded by people who are the best, the two-time world champions. I didn't feel left out as they're very welcoming, friendly and always willing to help. It's an amazing environment that I want to be part of." 'I tried to remain as calm as I could. But obviously inside I was filled with joy. I was in disbelief. I'm still in a bit of disbelief. But that disbelief isn't necessarily me doubting my ability. To me, is this happening right now? Everything happening now is humbling. It just makes me so excited, and I don't know how to react.' For Makhaza, this milestone means more than personal achievement - it's a beacon of hope for others. 'It reassures me that maybe, one day, I'll officially wear the green-and-gold jersey in a match. Beyond just rugby, it inspires me that hard work eventually pays off in life. It's testament that if you keep going, keep working hard, you will be rewarded. I'm not saying I deserve it, it's just a privilege to be part of this." 'To the rugby club as a whole and to people within the university environment, it gives them hope. People are watching and your dreams are valid and achievable. A lot of people have looked at my journey and thought, 'This guy wasn't ranked among the top. He didn't come through a professional system.' But someone believed in me, and now that belief is starting to pay off. It's inspiring to other people as much as it is inspiring to me.'
