Exclusive: Cheetahs Spark Plug Makhaza Sets Sights on Springbok Green and Gold

From the fields of the Varsity Cup to the fringes of Springbok selection, Ntokozo Makhaza is living the kind of rugby dream many only dare to imagine. The University of Cape Town standout has taken 2025 by storm rewriting records, lifting silverware, and now making his professional debut with the Cheetahs. 

And with a Springbok call-up in his sights, Makhaza is determined to turn dreams into destiny.

A Season to Remember

“Yoh! I would say it has been a dream season,” Makhaza beams. 

“Everything just fell together... winning the Varsity Cup with UCT, getting player of the tournament, joining the Cheetahs, and then being called into the Boks camp it’s surreal.”

Makhaza’s impact at UCT was unmatched this season. His attacking flair, precision with the boot, and game intelligence saw him finish as the highest points scorer in Varsity Cup history, all while leading his team to the title. But even as the accolades piled up, his humility never wavered.

“I’m just grateful. I know many people wish they were in this position. I’m taking it all in.”

Into Bok Territory

After winning a Varsity Cup title and being named player of the tournament with UCT he joined the Springboks camp. It was well documented the call Makhaza received from Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, as he was included in the Springbok alignment camp before the international window.

"They [Springboks] are very professional, a lot of the {Springbok] coaches contacted me and told me what I can work on in terms of my game. To make sure that I am a better player holistically. It raised my level of professionalism to the highest," he told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"The Springboks are the best in the world and there is a certain standard that comes with that. I know what to expect. Even when I do go back to the club level like the Cheetahs, obviously they are not a URC [United Rugby Championship] side but I know what standards are needed for me to be competitive at the highest level."

"I appreciate all the opportunities and I have been trying to be sponge and learn everything the Boks [coaches] have been telling me and the extras. It has been quite humbling and also helpful on a personal level."

While a full call-up hasn’t yet materialized, the experience lit a fire within.

“After that taste, I want it even more. I’m locked in now. I want to play for the Springboks.”

Cheetahs' New Spark

For Makhaza it all came ringing from the Springboks to the Cheetahs. After concluding a successful Varsity Cup campaign. After a brief post-Varsity Cup uncertainty, the Cheetahs swooped in with a contract offer. Other unions hesitated; the Cheetahs saw a fit.

"My goal was always to make it professional [as a rugby player]. After the end of the 2024 season, I didn't have an offer from the unions and my agent tried to work something out for me and contacted a few unions. Even after the season I had [in the Varsity Cup], a lot of the unions were touch and [say] more like they like me but not currently looking for a player of my caliber."

"Going into 2025, the goal remained the same and to make it professionally. I realised I might actually have to leave my studies halfway through the year, not even but apply for leave of absence or exemptions because some unions contract in the middle of the year."

"I knew this season it was possible I might get a contract, and it just sort of happened that the Cheetahs were the most interested in me. My agent was a big part of the move and they [Cheetahs] liked the way I was kicking this season and that worked in my favor. Closer to the back end of the [Varsity Cup] season, the Cheetahs came with an offer and I had to sit down and make a decision. And I went with them, I felt they were the union that wanted me and they also play running rugby which I do best...it would be a good fit for me."

It didn’t take long for him to repay that belief. Making his debut against international side Georgia, Makhaza scored two tries, helping the Cheetahs to a narrow 24–20 win.

"Crazy story actually, in the beginning of the week they announced the team and I was not part of the 23. The end of the same day, one of the players had an injury assessment and wasn't fit to play. I had to slot in."

"I was very nervous, because everything had been going well so far this year. So I was like, can I replicate what I have done in the Varsity Cup at pro rugby. I knew there were eyes on the game and my goal was to showcase what I can do for the coaches. As the game went [laughs], I just found myself at the right place and at the right time...the rest is history."

He’s now setting his sights on consistency. "I want to be a permanent starter in the [Cheetahs] jersey, finishing tries and putting points on the board [with the boot]. I hope I get the opportunity to kick, as it is a strong suit of mine. I just want to do my best and I can only do that if I am on the field."

Eyes on Green and Gold

There’s a grounded determination in his voice when he speaks of the Springboks. 

"Any rugby player's dream in South Africa is to play for the Springboks, it's a huge goal of mine. After having a taste of the alignment camp and training sessions in Johannesburg, I am attracted to that [Springbok] culture and I just want to make sure I fit in the system. I want to make it."

"I haven't had any calls as to when I might be returning but am very hopeful and I am ready because anything can happen."