Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya tipped for big-money move after South Africa breakthrough

Olwethu Makhanya has been tipped for a major move after Rangers helped put the South Africa defender firmly on the international radar.

The 22-year-old has made a strong start to his career in Scotland since joining Rangers, and his progress has now been reflected at international level.

Makhanya earned his second and third caps for South Africa during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, featuring in victories over Guinea and Eritrea.

His latest international appearances represent a significant step forward for a player who had struggled to establish himself with the national team during his time in Major League Soccer.

Makhanya previously played for Philadelphia Union in the United States but managed only one South Africa appearance before making the move to Rangers.

Former Manchester United and South Africa midfielder Quinton Fortune believes the switch to Scottish football has played an important role in increasing Makhanya’s visibility and international opportunities.

‘It does help when you sign for Rangers’

Fortune believes playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs gives Makhanya greater exposure than he would have received in 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.”

Makhanya’s move to Rangers has placed him in a league with regular exposure across Europe, while his performances for the Glasgow club have given him an opportunity to compete at a higher level.

Fortune also highlighted the stature of Rangers and believes the defender’s decision to join the Scottish giants has increased the attention surrounding his performances.

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

“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 cash in on Makhanya

Makhanya’s emergence for both club and country has already prompted suggestions that Rangers could eventually command a significant fee for his services.

Fortune believes the defender’s age, ability and growing international profile could make him an attractive target for clubs across Europe if he continues to develop.

“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.”

The former South Africa international also believes Makhanya is well placed to attract attention from clubs in England, particularly because of the proximity and visibility of Scottish football.

The defender’s performances in Scotland are readily accessible to scouts and recruitment departments, while his international appearances provide another platform on which to assess his progress.

Makhanya’s situation could therefore become increasingly interesting for Rangers if he continues to establish himself as an important player for both club and country.

‘Makhanya couldn’t have put himself in a better position’

Fortune sees the Scottish Premiership as an effective platform for Makhanya to showcase his qualities to clubs further afield.

“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.”

The defender’s international breakthrough has come at a time when he is still young enough to attract long-term interest from potential suitors.

Fortune believes continued strong performances for Rangers could eventually bring Premier League clubs into the picture.

“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 stressed, however, that potential interest would not necessarily be limited to England, with clubs elsewhere in Europe also capable of monitoring his development.

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