Rangers head coach Derek McInnes has heaped praise on Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya following an impressive UEFA Conference League debut for the Scottish giants.
Makhanya has become a key figure for Rangers and produced a composed display as McInnes’ side began their UEFA Conference League campaign.
- ALSO READ: Makhanya Hailed After Impressive Rangers Debut
- Mngqithi Takes Dig At Journalist After Crushing Win
The 22-year-old only recently arrived at Ibrox from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union, making the transition to Scottish football a significant step in his career.
McInnes was asked if he had been impressed by the South African since his arrival, and the Rangers boss was emphatic in his response.
“Very much so, to be honest,” said McInnes in the post-match press conference. “He has come from the MLS, which is a different type of football.
“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 evident during Makhanya’s European bow, with the Bafana international showing the composure and defensive attributes that convinced Rangers to bring him to Scotland.
McInnes was particularly pleased with how the defender handled the pressure of being introduced into a team that is still undergoing significant changes under his management.
“He dealt with everything asked of him and you are right to mention him,” said McInnes.
“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 the process 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.”
The praise represents an encouraging early assessment for Makhanya, who made the move to Rangers after establishing himself in MLS and earning recognition with Bafana Bafana.
After making his domestic debut at Ibrox earlier this month, the former Stellenbosch defender has now taken another important step in his adaptation to life in Europe.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.