Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya could be in line for his Glasgow Rangers debut when they take on Jagiellonia Białystok in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League this evening.
Makhanya, 22, joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union last week and could be straight into action for the club who kicked off their league campaign this past weekend against Dundee United.
Makhanya flew to Poland via London without the squad in order to receive the necessary visa to travel for tonight’s game, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
“The club’s done some brilliant work to make sure that process all went through quite smoothly. So, it’s great that he’s available because it does ease the pressure,” head coach Derek McInnes said in the pre-match press conference.
And it’s been a whirlwind few days, if not weeks for the former Stellenbosch defender since the 2026 FIFA World Cup with South Africa, returning home before landing his dream move to Europe.
His representative Matthew Moore of Centre Circle tells iDiski Times, it’s been an exciting time for the towering defender who is raring to go for the Gers.
“He was received really well, everyone, from the fans to the club, to the players have been great with Olwethu, he has made good friends already, and yeah – I think South Africans just don’t understand how big Rangers is as a club,” he told this website.
“You can’t walk in the streets without people recognising you, it’s a different vibe to Philadelphia, where you could be pretty anonymous in America even though you’re playing for the Union.
“Rangers is massive, and he’s been really well received and he hopes that he will be remembered as the most successful South African there and yeah – the fans have been great. He was also invited to link up with the team South Africa at the Commonwealth Games, so it’s been a good first week.”
Rangers take on the Polish outfit at the Bialystok City Stadium (18h00).