Olwethu Makhanya reveals Richard's advice

Olwethu Makhanya reveals Richard's advice

By Sports.

Context

Olwethu Makhanya, who is 22 years old, moved to Rangers from the Philadelphia Union and quickly became an integral part of their defense. His performance underlined his potential as a key player in the Scottish Premiership, and his recognition as Player of the Month reflects his progress in the league.

Why it matters

Olwethu Makhanya's emergence as a key defender for Rangers is vital to their Scottish Premiership battle. His spectacular performances, especially against Celtic, allowed him to win the Player of the Month award. His connection with Richard Gough, a club legend, has inspired him to maintain a high standard in his game, which has been vital to Rangers' success this season.

Key Points

• Olwethu Makhanya reveals Richard's advice.
• Rangers' Olwethu Makhanya gets advice from club icon Richard Gough after shining in two straight wins against Celtic to clinch Player of the Month.
• Rangers Defender Reveals Richard Gough's Advice: Can He Deliver?.

Olwethu Makhanya has revealed he personally received advice from Rangers legend Richard Gough after his impressive start at Ibrox. The 22-year-old South African arrived from Philadelphia Union in the summer for an estimated £3 million and has quickly become a key piece in Rangers' defense this season. Makhanya's name came to the fore in Rangers' two straight wins over rivals Celtic before the international break—matches that cemented his reputation as a central defender unflinching from sudden attacks and at the heart of set pieces. As a result, he was awarded the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award for September, along with the team's six consecutive wins that lifted them to the top of the form. Amid the heated streak, Gough—the former captain who led Rangers to nine straight championships—paid tribute via social media. This is where their conversation started on Instagram, where the former center back shared valuable tips based on his successful career. According to Makhanya, receiving guidance from a legend is a big deal, and he further looked to Gough's achievements as inspiration to maintain high standards in his game.

After a tough start to the campaign, Rangers bounced back and clung to the lead—coming within two points of Celtic before the break. They still have a chance to go top if they overcome Kilmarnock at Ibrox this Saturday, before Celtic face Motherwell the following day. In the bigger picture of the title race, every point is critical, and this is where the strength of Rangers' new defensive backbone will be measured. Makhanya also shared that the pressure that comes with playing for Rangers has been a "privilege" and pushed his mentality to move forward. His pairing with Emmanuel Fernandez earns praise: they can read each other's moves earlier, the division of responsibility is clearer, and coordination is better in transitions—ingredients that are important for a team that uses an aggressive back line. However, it is clear to the young defense that a defender does not succeed alone; continuous communication and discipline of the entire unit is necessary. While Gough's advice has helped manage supporters' expectations, further improvement in defensive positioning and decision-making under Makhanya's pressure remains key. Two wins against Celtic is a strong indication of potential, but it doesn't automatically translate to consistency throughout the season. As fatigue sets in, the possibility of injury, and tougher trips to away grounds, weaknesses masked by early momentum are exposed. If Makhanya can maintain current form—and continue to cultivate his partnership with Fernandez—Rangers may have found a reliable central defense that will be the foundation of a serious assault on the Scottish Premiership crown. For now, the message is clear: the standard is high, the responsibility is heavy, and it takes daily work to prove worthy of the accolade bestowed by an Ibrox legend.

What's next

Makhanya is expected to continue to be a key part of the Rangers defense as their Scottish Premiership battle continues. His ability to interact with Emmanuel Fernandez could be the key to their success in the upcoming matches. With the help of Gough's advice, Makhanya is expected to maintain his good form and help Rangers achieve their league goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Olwethu Makhanya?

Olwethu Makhanya is a 22-year-old South African footballer who currently plays as a central defender for Rangers.

What was Makhanya's contribution to Rangers?

Makhanya has been an integral part of Rangers' defense and has been instrumental in their two straight wins against Celtic.

What award did Olwethu Makhanya receive?

Olwethu Makhanya was awarded the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September.

What advice did Richard Gough give to Makhanya?

Richard Gough gave Makhanya valuable advice based on his successful career, which helped him maintain high standards in his game.

What is the current state of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership?

After a tough start to the campaign, Rangers bounced back to within two points of leaders Celtic before the international break.

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