Rangers move puts Olwethu Makhanya in the international spotlight as South Africa rise continues

Olwethu Makhanya’s rapid rise with South Africa has underlined the value of his move to Rangers, with former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune believing the Ibrox switch has played a major role in improving his international prospects.

The 22-year-old has established himself as an important part of Rangers’ defence since moving to Scotland and has now translated that club form onto the international stage.

Makhanya earned his second and third caps for South Africa in recent days, starting their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victories over Guinea and Eritrea.

Those results have strengthened Bafana Bafana’s position at the top of their qualifying group, while Makhanya’s performances have increased the likelihood of him becoming a regular at international level.

His progress represents a significant change from his previous experience with Philadelphia Union.

From one cap to South Africa regular

Makhanya had been a regular in Major League Soccer with Philadelphia but struggled to establish himself with the national team.

Despite his consistent club involvement, he had managed only one senior cap before his move to Rangers and was an unused substitute throughout South Africa’s campaign at the summer World Cup.

His switch to Rangers has since provided a considerably bigger platform, and Fortune believes playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs has helped alter the perception surrounding the defender.

Speaking exclusively to the Rangers Review via BoyleSports, Fortune highlighted the exposure that comes with playing in Europe, while acknowledging the quality of MLS.

“It does help when you sign for Rangers and move to Europe. With all respect to MLS, it’s great being there, but it’s not as competitive, moving to Europe puts you in a bigger shop window.”

Fortune also pointed to the significance of Makhanya choosing Rangers rather than simply moving to another European club.

“People sit back and notice that Makhanya hasn’t gone to just any club, he’s gone to Rangers with their incredible history.”

The former South Africa international believes the demands of Scottish football are also helping Makhanya develop.

“Playing Scottish football is very tough and competitive, and I’m sure there will be loads of teams keeping an eye on him.”

Rangers could become a launchpad

Makhanya’s emergence has already prompted speculation about whether Rangers could eventually command a substantial fee for the defender, with his defensive partner Emmanuel Fernandez also attracting attention.

Fortune believes a major transfer could eventually materialise if Makhanya continues his current trajectory.

The defender’s age is another factor likely to attract interest, with Fortune stressing that there remains significant room for improvement in his game.

“Teams around Europe, not just in the Premier League, will be watching him because he’s a very good defender and he’s still only 22 years old, so he’s only going to improve.”

For now, Makhanya appears to be benefiting from the combination of regular first-team football at Rangers and increased exposure with South Africa.

His progression also places him in a league that attracts considerable attention from clubs south of the border.

Premier League interest could follow

Fortune believes Makhanya’s position at Rangers could eventually put him on the radar of Premier League clubs, particularly because of the close relationship between Scottish and English football.

The defender is now competing regularly in a league that is widely watched by scouts and clubs across Europe, giving him another avenue to demonstrate his ability.

“Makhanya couldn’t have put himself in a better position because Scotland is right next to the Premier League in England, and people know each other.”

Fortune also pointed to the accessibility of Scottish football for English clubs assessing potential recruits.

“The Scottish league is on TV all the time, so if he does well, which I’m sure he will continue doing, there will be teams in the Premier League looking at him.”

He does not believe interest would necessarily be limited to England, however.

“It won’t just be the Premier League, teams all over Europe will be interested if he’s performing at the highest level.”

For Makhanya, the immediate priority remains maintaining his place at Rangers and building on his latest international breakthrough.

But after moving from Philadelphia to Ibrox, the defender has already transformed his international standing, and his performances for South Africa suggest that the Rangers move could prove to be an important step in a much bigger career.