Olwethu Makhanya combines Rangers success with Mandela statue ceremony in Glasgow

Olwethu Makhanya’s impressive start in Scotland has extended beyond the pitch, with the Bafana Bafana defender attending the unveiling of a Nelson Mandela statue in Glasgow alongside veteran South African entertainer Marah Louw.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding September for Rangers, helping the team win all four of their matches while conceding only once and recording three clean sheets. His displays earned him the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award, while manager Derek McInnes was named Coach of the Month.

Makhanya credited his team-mates and coaching staff for his individual success, saying the award reflected the work of the entire squad.

“It is always good to get individual recognition, but football is a team sport and I feel like I was able to get this award because of everyone around me,” he said after receiving the prize.

He made those comments while looking ahead to Rangers’ fixture against Kilmarnock, which they won 3–1 on Saturday.

Makhanya’s form also led to a recall to the South Africa squad for the recent FIFA international break. He started both of the team’s AFCON qualifiers, helping Bafana Bafana beat Guinea 2–1 before they recorded a 5–0 victory over Eritrea.

“I feel like it was a very enjoyable and successful international break. We were able to get two good wins, so we did really well. It was a great experience,” Makhanya said.

“To represent my country is always something I work towards, so being able to set that as a goal and achieve it is really rewarding.”

Since moving from the United States in the middle of the year, Makhanya has also taken on an informal role as an ambassador for South Africa in Scotland.

On Friday, he attended a ceremony marking the unveiling of a £180,000 bronze statue of Nelson Mandela at Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow. The event commemorated 33 years since Mandela visited the city to accept the Freedom of the City.

Among those present were South Africa’s High Commissioner to the UK, Kingsley Mamabolo, Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren and Brian Filling, chair of the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation.

Makhanya shared his appreciation for the invitation on Instagram.

“A special day amongst great minds, celebrating an extraordinary legacy. Sincere thanks to the High Commissioner for the kind invitation,” he wrote.

Louw, who performed for Mandela during his historic 1993 visit, also took part in the ceremony. The veteran South African artist sang “Circle of Life” and the South African national anthem, accompanied by Glasgow’s women’s drumming band.