Rangers boss hails Bafana’s Makhanya after impressive European debut

Rangers head coach Derek McInnes has lauded Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya for his stellar performance in his UEFA Conference League debut, highlighting his adaptability and potential in Scottish football. Picture: BackpagePix

Rangers head coach Derek McInnes has praised Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya after the South African impressed on his UEFA Conference League debut for the Scottish giants.

Makhanya has quickly established himself as an option for McInnes since arriving at Ibrox, and produced a composed display as Rangers began their European campaign.

The 22-year-old only recently joined Rangers from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union , making the switch to Scottish football another significant step in his career.

McInnes was asked about Makhanya’s adaptation since his arrival and was emphatic in his assessment of the young defender.

“Very much so, to be honest,” McInnes said in his post-match press conference.

“We have seen a lot of games in the MLS, it is a bit slow and pedestrian, but what we liked about him when we watched him was his ability to go man-to-man, to not lose a foot race, and his calmness on the ball.”

Those qualities were on display during Makhanya’s European bow, with the Bafana international showing the composure and defensive aggression that initially caught Rangers’ attention.

McInnes was particularly pleased with how the defender handled the pressure of joining a squad that is still undergoing significant changes under the Scottish coach.

“He dealt with everything asked of him and you are right to mention him,” McInnes said.

“He has come in when the team has not been at its best, he has come in from the outside and tried to settle in.”

Makhanya is one of several young players Rangers are attempting to integrate into the squad, with McInnes acknowledging that adapting to a new environment will take time.

“We have a lot of young players that have come in that we are trying to integrate,” he said.

“But he has done really well, and I think there is a lot more to come.”