Olwethu Makhanya named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September

Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya has been named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September after making an immediate impact at Rangers.

The 22-year-old joined Rangers from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union and has quickly established himself in Derek McInnes’ starting XI. Makhanya has already played 11 games for the club since his arrival.

Rangers endured a difficult beginning to the season in Europe, twice failing to reach the group stages after taking part in the UEFA Europa League and Conference League qualifiers. However, their domestic form has improved steadily, with Makhanya helping to bring greater stability to the defence.

Rangers began their league campaign with a draw and a defeat but have since won their past five Scottish Premiership matches. They kept clean sheets in four of those victories.

The final four matches of that run came in September, earning Makhanya the monthly award. McInnes was also recognised after being named Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month.

The Rangers manager praised the defender’s work since moving to a new club and adapting to a different league.

“For Makhanya to come in and work hard from the outset has been brilliant,” McInnes said.

“Adapting from the slower pace of the MLS to the higher pace/demanding which the league is and to get recognised with the player of the month award, is great to see.”

Makhanya’s contribution has also come during a strong spell for Rangers in the title race. Before the international break, they defeated long-standing rivals Celtic 1-0 in the Old Firm Derby.

That result reduced Rangers’ deficit to Celtic at the top of the Premiership to two points. Rangers have 16 points from seven games, while Celtic have 18.