Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya hailed as ‘Rolls-Royce’ by Alan Hutton

Former Scotland international Alan Hutton has described Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya as a “Rolls-Royce” player after the South African impressed on his full international debut and continued to make an impact in Scotland.

Makhanya, 22, started for Pitso Mosimane-led Bafana Bafana in their 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium over the weekend.

The defender partnered Ime Okon in central defence and produced a performance that attracted widespread praise. His display was particularly important because Mbekezeli Mbokazi was unavailable through injury.

“Olwethu Makhanya is the Rolls-Royce of a defender. He never looks like he breaks a sweat,” Hutton told IOL, courtesy of FootballPredictions.com.

Makhanya joined Scottish Premiership side Rangers in July and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most impressive performers. His early displays at Ibrox have earned recognition both in Scotland and in his homeland.

Hutton believes the South African has already proved to be Rangers’ most effective signing in terms of delivering consistently from one match to the next.

“I think he’s going from strength to strength. He’s probably right now Rangers’ best signing, I’d say, in terms of the consistent quality that he gives game after game,” Hutton said.

Makhanya also stood out in the match against Celtic, where he was required to operate in a wide role within a back three.

“He’s very consistent, and against Celtic he was excellent. He’s been asked at this moment in time to play in a back three, which is really quite wide, so defensively he has to be on point in terms of his 1v1 defending,” Hutton added.

The former Scotland international said Makhanya’s contribution has extended beyond his defensive duties. He has also shown confidence when carrying the ball forward, breaking through opposition lines and finding team-mates with his passing.

“But not only thatwhen he’s breaking forward, he’s doing it with real confidence, breaking lines, and executing passes.”

Hutton suggested Makhanya’s rapid progress could attract interest from other clubs, despite the defender having only recently moved to Rangers.

“The problem with that is when you’re playing at such a high level, you understand that other teams will naturally be looking at you. He’s only just arrived at the club, but you get the feeling that he’s only going to get better,” Hutton said.

“He’s had a fantastic start to his Rangers career, and let’s just hope he can continue in this vein.”

The article picture was credited to Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.