Where Makhanya fits into Rangers revealed?

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Where Makhanya fits into Rangers revealed?

Aug 10, 2026 – 02:50 pm
By Thato Bosoga

KickOff has gathered insight on why Scottish giants Rangers signed Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya, including what the expectations are.

Makhanya completed a dream move to Rangers last week, joining from Major League Soccer (MLS) side Philadelphia Union on a transfer fee of a reported €3,6 million (R68,4 m).

Derek Clark, who is The Rangers Review journalist, details how he is expected to fit into the set-up at his new club.

READ | Early window of opportunity opens up for Makhanya at Rangers

“Certainly, the left centre-back position is an area Rangers were looking to strengthen and so they’ve obviously identified him as a player to bring in. But I’d be lying if I say Rangers fans know a lot about him,” revealed Clark.

“It’s interesting to see how he is going to perform because it was a problem area for Rangers last season and they need someone who is going to be dominant and solid. Hopefully Olwethu can be that guy.

“Obviously he was called up to the national squad for the World Cup, he’s at a good age as well. That’s what Rangers do, looking to sign players they can develop and then sell on for a bigger fee,” he added.

Clark says Makhanya is being compared to Wolverhampton defender Nasser Djiga, who was signed from Red Star Belgrade in February 2025 for €12 million (R228m) and was loaned to Rangers last season.

“I know there were other clubs looking at him as well… Wolves, Middlesbrough, Gent, and RB Salzburg in Austria. That shows he is a talented boy. I know he wanted to move to Europe from the MLS

READ | Where Makhanya ranks in top 10 most expensive SA transfers

“On paper, it looks like Rangers got a really talented player here, but until we see him in action, [we cannot say much].

“It’s alright being a good player, but you need more than that at Rangers. The expectations are so great that a lot of players struggle. They had a player last year on loan from Wolves, Nasser Djiga, and from the people I’m speaking to, he seems like a guy in a similar mould, can play on the left and right (side of centre-back),” concluded Clark.