“I Ran Away And Celebrated Anyway” — Makhanya On Disallowed Goal And Old Firm Derby Triumph

Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya says he is in a great frame of mind after helping Glasgow Rangers secure a 1-0 victory over rivals Celtic in Sunday’s Old Firm derby.

Derek McInnes’ side earned the 1-0 win at Parkhead just seven days after their 3-0 home victory in the Premier Sports Cup. The South African international center-back delivered another commanding performance as the Light Blues kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet and fifth in six matches.

Makhanya now turns his focus from club duties to national team duty with Bafana Bafana. South Africa faces three fixtures during an extended FIFA international break, beginning with a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

They will then meet Eritrea at a neutral venue in Egypt four days later before closing the window with a high-profile friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.

Makhanya, who joined Rangers from MLS side Philadelphia Union, stands a strong chance of starting for Bafana Bafana due to Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s injury absence.

“I think that is the same feeling I have,” Makhanya said.

“I told myself that if I could come here, get good results, and put in strong performances, it would give me a boost going into the national team.”

Makhanya nearly headed into the Bafana Bafana camp with an extra reason to celebrate. The defender thought he had doubled Rangers’ lead in the second half when his strike from the edge of the box found the net. However, his celebrations were cut short when the goal was disallowed for handball in the build-up.

While disappointed not to open his account for the club, he was thrilled to join the national team on the back of another derby victory.

“As soon as I scored, I wasn’t sure if I should celebrate,” he added.

“I knew it touched my hand, but I ran away and celebrated anyway. I told myself to come here, get a good result, and perform well before joining the national team, and I have done that.”