Rangers star has all the 'tools' to go right to the top as glowing reference earned from former mentor

Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya has earned himself a glowing reference from former Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell, who reckons he has all the right ‘tools’ to play at the highest level.

The South African has earned non-stop plaudits for his performances at Ibrox since signing from the MLS side in the summer for £3m. Having worked under countryman Carnell for 18 months at the Union, his former gaffer isn’t surprised he’s flourishing in royal blue.

Carnell - who earned 40 caps for Bafana Bafana as a player - saw potential in Makhanya straight away when he was appointed manager in January 2025. It was he who awarded the Rangers man his stateside debut. Now that he’s shown he can handle stepping up a level, Carnell now reckons the sky is the limit for the 22-year old.

Why does Makhanya’s former mentor believes the sky is the limit?

Carnell said: "You always have to be ready. He has shown he has the physical tools and the skill set to play at any level - you just need the exposure, and you just need the chance. Is anyone ever really ready for the next step? Unless you try, you’ll never know.

"The time he had in Philadelphia and now the time he’s having in Glasgow gives him a good gauge that he’s able to step up to different levels and that’s very important – for him to know that he can do it. He’s raising up the levels and adapting very well and he is showing that no level is too high for him right now.

"But what’s important is staying grounded and being humble and doing all those things we’ve tried to guide every player with, not just the physical, tactical, and technical tools. And also the life skills to tackle challenges off the field and deal with people and the media in the right way. He is on a really good path, and he’s adapting to every level."

Why is Derek McInnes a huge admirer of Makhanya?

The centre back had a strong start to his Rangers career - but back-to-back standout performances against Celtic brought his stature to a new level. It is now claimed that clubs in the English Premier League are keeping a watchful eye on Makhanya. Rangers boss Derek McInnes has been impressed by how quickly he’s adapted to the Scottish game.

Earlier this month, he said of Makhanya: “I think it's right for big Makha to get the acknowledgements he's had because he's dealt with everything that's come his way. I think, coming from the MLS, a totally different type of football with the MLS when you watch it, it's very slow, very technical, very passive a lot of the time.

"Whereas now you're into the blood and guts of Scottish football, and he's dealt with everything that's come his way. I think he's smooth on the ball, he's clean with what he does; he looks after players individually. One-v-one, you would back him, so he's settled really well.”

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