“I wasn’t in a professional set-up, but someone believed in me , and that belief means the world,” he said. “It shows there are different paths to success.”
Makhaza recently trained alongside national greats like Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am and Bongi Mbonambi. For the young fullback, the experience was surreal.
“To be surrounded by players I’ve watched for years and to feel like I belonged , it was incredible,” he said. “They were welcoming, always willing to help. I tried to stay calm, but inside I was filled with joy. Honestly, I’m still in disbelief.”
His selection is historic , not just for him, but for UCT and the broader university sports system.
“This isn’t just about me,” Makhaza said. “To everyone coming from a non-traditional route: your dreams are valid. People are watching, and hard work is noticed.”
Mark Bashe, UCT’s Manager of Sport and Recreation, called it a proud moment for the institution.
“He’s gone straight from Varsity Cup rugby to the Springboks , that speaks volumes,” Bashe said. “Ntokozo’s selection is a testament to his drive and to the support he’s received from our coaching and performance staff.”
“When he was invited to the alignment camp, we were hopeful. But he impressed the coaches and earned his spot. This is a victory for him, for UCT, and for every young athlete chasing a dream outside the conventional pipeline.”
Looking ahead to joining the Cheetahs and possibly earning his first Test cap, Makhaza remains humble.
“I’m not saying I deserve it , it’s just a privilege,” he said. “Whether I play or not, being part of this set-up is a dream. And I’ll keep working , that’s the one thing I know how to do.”
Whether his official debut comes this season or the next, one thing is clear: Makhaza’s journey is no longer under the radar , and South African rugby is paying attention.
