UCT student Ntokozo Makhaza makes history with Springboks alignment camp selection

University of Cape Town (UCT) student and rugby star Ntokozo Makhaza has been selected for the Springboks' alignment camp, a rare feat for a non-professional player still completing his degree. 

The 23-year-old has made history and a landmark for the university with this sporting achievement.

"I’m doing a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Psychology and Social Development. I have one more course in the 2nd Semester to complete my degree. So if all goes well I should be completing my studies at the end of this year and graduating next year," said Makhaza when asked by Cape Argus.

According to UCT, the call-up places Makhaza among the country’s top 54 players considered for national selection.

Makhaza was born in Harrismith in the Free State, and grew up playing soccer, but switched to rugby in primary school, quickly falling in love with the sport. 

He was inspired by smaller, strategic players such as Patrick Lambie and quickly  found his place on the field as a fast, intelligent backline player.

Makhaza said he is focused on the opportunity of being selected for the Springbok alignment camp and was surprised when he learnt that he was chosen.

“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,” said Makhaza.

“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 university said 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.

“If 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 them and laughed. To me it’s an honour and I’m privileged and humbled.

“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."

Makhaza said his success was also due to the university’s support structures and inclusive culture for helping him grow as  an athlete and a student.

He scored 32 points in the Varsity Cup final against Stellenbosch University, leading UCT to the championship and finishing the season with 155 points.

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

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

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

Cape Argus