Former Philadelphia Union boss backs South Africa’s Olwethu Makhanya for higher-level move after Rangers rise

Olwethu Makhanya has the physical attributes and technical ability to compete at a higher level, according to his former Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell, who believes the Rangers defender is on the right path to further progress in his career.

The 22-year-old South Africa international has made an impressive start to life at Ibrox following his £3 million move from Philadelphia Union in the summer, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Derek McInnes’ defence.

Makhanya has developed a strong partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez at the heart of the Rangers backline, helping the Scottish giants record seven consecutive victories in all competitions before last Saturday’s 2-2 draw away to Dundee.

His performances have also earned him the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award for September, further strengthening his growing reputation since arriving in Scotland.

With speculation already linking the centre-back with a potential move to England, Carnell believes his former player has the qualities required to take another step forward, provided he continues to develop and embraces new challenges.

Carnell backs Makhanya to compete at higher level

Carnell, who worked with Makhanya for two years in the United States, believes the defender has already demonstrated his ability to adapt to different competitive environments.

Speaking to FAR Post, the coach stressed that opportunities and exposure would be important in determining how far the Rangers star could progress.

“You always have to be ready. He has shown he has the physical tools and the skill set to play at any level; you just need the exposure, and you just need the chance.”

Carnell acknowledged that players cannot always know whether they are ready for the next stage of their careers until they test themselves against stronger opposition.

“Is anyone ever really ready for the next step? Unless you try, you’ll never know. The time he had in Philadelphia and now the time he’s having in Glasgow gives him a good gauge that he’s able to step up to different levels, and that’s very important – for him to know that he can do it.”

The former Philadelphia Union boss believes Makhanya’s experiences in the United States and Scotland have helped him build the confidence needed to handle increasingly demanding challenges.

Rangers star urged to remain grounded

Despite Makhanya’s rapid progress, Carnell has emphasised the importance of humility, discipline and continued development as the defender establishes himself at Rangers.

“He’s raising up the levels and adapting very well, and he is showing that no level is too high for him right now.”

Carnell added that succeeding in professional football requires more than physical, tactical and technical ability, highlighting the importance of developing the personal qualities needed to navigate challenges away from the pitch.

“But what’s important is staying grounded and being humble, and doing all those things we’ve tried to guide every player with, not just the physical, tactical, and technical tools. But also the life skills to tackle challenges off the field and deal with people and the media in the right way. He is on a really good path, and he’s adapting to every level.”

Makhanya’s performances have fuelled speculation that he could attract interest from clubs in England, although Rangers icon Richard Gough recently told Record Sport that the defender’s agent had assured him the player would not leave Ibrox in January.