Rugby
Prince happy to welcome Makhaza to Cheetahs─── MORGAN PIEK 08:53 Sat, 19 Apr 2025
Toyota Cheetahs winger Prince Nkabinde has welcomed the signing of Ntokozo Makhaza, who will be joining the Bloemfontein-based franchise later this year.
On Thursday, the Cheetahs announced the signing of the back-to-back Varsity Cup Player of the Year, who was also named Backline Player of the Year for 2025.
Makhaza, who hails from Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State, is the all-time leading points scorer in the Varsity Cup, having racked up an impressive 416 points over three seasons for the University of Cape Town Ikeys. His 155 points this past season were the second-highest tally in the competition’s history, just behind the 157 scored by Zander du Plessis, a fellow Free Stater from Bloemfontein.
In addition to his blistering pace, Makhaza is known for his deadly accurate kicking and solid defence. The Cheetahs believe that his skill set is well-suited to their attacking style of play.
However, as is the case with all former Varsity Cup players joining the franchise, he will need to adapt to the system and earn his place on the team.
Nkabinde, who holds the record for most tries in the Varsity Cup, is slowly but surely finding his rhythm at the Cheetahs. Having faced Makhaza a few times while playing for UJ, he told OFM Sport that he’s thrilled to welcome the fleet-footed playmaker to Bloemfontein.
Ntokozo Mahaza in the 2024 Varsity Cup final against the Shimlas in Bloemfontein. Photo: Hannes Naude
“Yeah, Ntokozo is a great addition to the team – I mean, he’s an unbelievable player,” said Nkabinde. “He’s shown over the past few years what he’s capable of at Varsity Cup level, and his accolades speak for themselves.
“Winning Player of the Year two years in a row is no small feat.
“He’s got an exceptional all-round game, and he’s going to be a massive asset to the team. I believe he’ll fit in well. He’s a really special player, and it’ll be great to rub shoulders with him soon.”
Meanwhile, when asked on Friday about Makhaza’s signing, Stormers coach John Dobson said the player was not part of their plans for the future.
Makhaza is set to join the Cheetahs once he completes his studies at UCT.
The franchise is also currently in talks with another standout performer from the past two Varsity Cup seasons, although he has attracted significant interest from elsewhere.
