Olwethu Makhanya’s role at Rangers assessed after €3.6m move

Rangers have identified a need at left centre-back and believe South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya could develop into a valuable long-term asset after completing his move from Philadelphia Union.

The 24-year-old joined the Scottish giants from the Major League Soccer club last week for a reported €3.6m (R68.4m). His arrival follows a difficult season in the position, with Rangers now expecting Makhanya to provide greater strength and reliability in defence.

Derek Clark, a journalist for The Rangers Review, said Rangers had clearly targeted the left-sided centre-back position but cautioned that the club’s supporters would need time to assess a player who remains relatively unfamiliar to them.

“Certainly, the left centre-back position is an area Rangers were looking to strengthen and so they’ve obviously identified him as a player to bring in. But I’d be lying if I say Rangers fans know a lot about him,” revealed Clark.

Makhanya’s move represents a significant step in his career after making his name in Major League Soccer. He had attracted attention from several European clubs before Rangers secured his signature, and his international experience also helped strengthen his profile.

“It’s interesting to see how he is going to perform because it was a problem area for Rangers last season and they need someone who is going to be dominant and solid. Hopefully Olwethu can be that guy.

“Obviously he was called up to the national squad for the World Cup, he’s at a good age as well. That’s what Rangers do, looking to sign players they can develop and then sell on for a bigger fee,” he added.

Makhanya has also been compared with Nasser Djiga, the Wolverhampton defender who spent last season on loan at Rangers after joining Wolves from Red Star Belgrade in February 2025 for €12m (R228m).

Clark said the level of interest in Makhanya before his transfer to Scotland indicated that Rangers had recruited a player with considerable potential. Wolverhampton, Middlesbrough, Gent and Austrian club RB Salzburg were among the teams believed to have been monitoring him.

“I know there were other clubs looking at him as well… Wolves, Middlesbrough, Gent, and RB Salzburg in Austria. That shows he is a talented boy. I know he wanted to move to Europe from the MLS

“On paper, it looks like Rangers got a really talented player here, but until we see him in action, [we cannot say much].

The expectation at Rangers will be a major test for Makhanya. Clark said previous ability alone would not guarantee success at Ibrox, where players are required to perform under intense scrutiny and pressure.

“It’s alright being a good player, but you need more than that at Rangers. The expectations are so great that a lot of players struggle. They had a player last year on loan from Wolves, Nasser Djiga, and from the people I’m speaking to, he seems like a guy in a similar mould, can play on the left and right (side of centre-back),” concluded Clark.

Makhanya is therefore expected to compete for a starting role while offering Rangers flexibility across the centre of defence. His ability to operate on both sides of the position could be especially useful as the club seeks to improve a defensive area that proved problematic last season.

Rangers will now wait to see whether the South African can translate his promising reputation into consistent performances in Scotland.