Makhaza, who is yet to feature in a senior tournament like the Currie Cup, has been included in Erasmus’ 55-man squad for the upcoming clash against the Barbarians, as well as the Test matches against Italy and Georgia.

The two-time Varsity Cup Player of the Year signed with the Cheetahs at the conclusion of the tournament earlier this year. Eager to make an impression, Makhaza has admitted that he needs to establish himself at senior level before aiming for higher honours.

Ntokozo Mahkaza. Photo: ASEM Engage

Erasmus said while there’s plenty of excitement about the youngster’s potential, his time will come but patience remains key.

“We’ve been coaching together as a group since 2018, and over the years, through competitions like the SA Cup, Currie Cup Premier Division, First Division, Varsity Cup – and even back in the Vodacom Cup days – it’s always been tricky to judge exactly where a player is when they come from a different system, whether that’s Japan, the Premiership or the Top 14,” said Erasmus.

“But with him, having been one of the top Varsity Cup players – statistically, maybe even the best in the tournament’s history – and still only 22 or 23 years old, you start to wonder is this one of those guys who could’ve slipped through the net?

“You only really know once you’ve worked with him – once you’ve seen his personality, felt how he fits in during an alignment camp, and now finally seen him on the training field. That gives us clarity.

“Normally, when you pick a player from the Currie Cup or what used to be the Vodacom Cup – now the SA Cup – you know they’ll need time. But it’s great to see that he’s grabbed this opportunity and started really well. We’re all realistic about where he is on his journey.

“I genuinely believe he can play for the Springboks one day. He’s maybe not right around the corner – not in the next week or two – but he’s certainly not far off. He’s close, and that’s exciting.”

Ntokozo Makhaza. Photo: Springboks

The back-to-back World Champions will kick off their 2025 season on 5 July against the Barbarians in Cape Town.

Springbok group:

Forwards – Juarno Augustus, Lood de Jager, Renzo du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouché, Cameron Hanekom, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nché, Ruan Nortjé, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, and Jasper Wiese

Backs – Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Ntokozo Makhaza, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, and Grant Williams

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg