Makhanya Earns McInnes Praise In Rangers’ Old Firm Victory

Glasgow Rangers coach Derek McInnes has praised Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya, calling his performances “sensational” since he arrived at the club, after he helped the Scottish side secure a Premier Sports Cup semi-final spot.

Makhanya impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season and played a pivotal role in Rangers’ 3-0 League Cup quarter-final win over old foes Celtic on Sunday.

Captain Dan Neil scored a superb double, sandwiched by Kevin Kelsy’s thumping half-volley, leaving an insipid Celtic side thoroughly beaten as the hosts advanced to meet Aberdeen.

Victory delivered a dream Old Firm managerial debut for Derek McInnes, who has overseen a sharp upturn in form following early-season struggles.

It was equally memorable for Makhanya, who was making his debut in the fixture following his £3 million transfer from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union.

With no away supporters present, 50,000 home fans lapped up a performance during which Martin O’Neill’s side were found wanting, setting up a tense dynamic ahead of their league meeting at Celtic Park next Sunday.

“He’s been sensational; he really has, and it’s tough to single anyone out, but the bigger the game, the bigger the performance and you’re learning about your players, but you are absolutely right,” McInnes said.

“He was absolutely first class, and we asked a lot of him. We started him as left of three [in defence], and he ended up at right-back, and wherever I play him, for somebody so young, for someone who’s just come into the country, to the club, there’s trust.”

According to reports in Scotland, the 22-year-old has been likened to former Rangers favourite Jean-Alain Boumsong for his defensive composure and ability to carry the ball forward to initiate attacks.

The KwaZulu-Natal-born defender has featured in 10 matches across all competitions this season and revealed he is settling well in Glasgow.

“As for my form, I would say so far, so good. I feel like I’ve been settling well,” he said.

“To be honest, even before I came here, I always felt like I could play at this level, at a higher level. So, I wouldn’t say I’m surprised because, coming in, I already had the belief that I’d do well.

“I feel defensively there’s a very good partnership between me and (centre-back partner Manny) Fernandez, with James Penrice on the left and obviously Dujon Sterling on the other side.

“I feel like there’s a lot of understanding, and the guys have worked with me very well. So, it makes it easy for me to be part of the group.”

Rangers and Celtic will meet again in the Old Firm derby in the league this coming weekend at Celtic Park, where Makhanya hopes to retain his spot in the lineup.

Meanwhile, Makhanya will be hoping for inclusion in Pitso Mosimane’s final South Africa squad on Thursday ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by a friendly against Egypt in Cairo early next month.