South African defender Olwethu Makhanya has been named the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September, earning major recognition for his impressive start to life at Rangers.
The award, announced by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) on Thursday, comes after Makhanya played an important role in Rangers’ perfect September league run.
Rangers won all four of their Scottish Premiership matches during the month, defeating Falkirk, Motherwell, St Mirren and Celtic. The club’s defensive strength was particularly impressive, with Rangers conceding just one goal across those four league victories.
For Makhanya, the award represents another significant milestone since his move to Scotland from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union during the summer.
Makhanya Makes His Mark at Rangers
The 22-year-old centre-back has quickly established himself as an important part of Rangers manager Derek McInnes’ team.
His September performances came during a crucial period for the Ibrox club as Rangers pushed closer to the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.
Makhanya started all four of Rangers’ league matches in September and helped the team produce a sequence of strong defensive performances. The run culminated in a 1-0 victory away to Celtic at Parkhead, a result that moved Rangers to within two points of the league leaders.
His performances have been particularly encouraging given that he is adapting to a new club, a new country and a different style of football after making the move from the United States.
A Month of Defensive Consistency
Rangers’ September campaign was built on defensive organisation as much as attacking quality.
The victories over Falkirk, Motherwell and St Mirren were followed by the significant Old Firm triumph over Celtic. Rangers conceded only once across those four Premiership matches, highlighting the consistency of the defensive unit in which Makhanya played a central role.
The defender also made headlines during the Celtic victory when he found the net, although his spectacular effort was ruled out after he was penalised for handball. Rangers ultimately secured the points through Ryan Naderi’s first-half goal.
Recognition for a Fast-Rising South African
Makhanya’s award is another positive development for South African football and continues his rapid rise since leaving the domestic game.
Before joining Philadelphia Union, Makhanya developed in South Africa with Stellenbosch FC. He subsequently moved to Major League Soccer, where he gained valuable experience before taking the next step of his career with Rangers.
His move to Scotland has now placed him in one of Europe’s most recognisable football environments, and his performances during September suggest that he is adapting quickly.
The award also adds to his growing profile as a South African defender playing at a major European club.
McInnes Also Wins September Award
Makhanya was not the only Rangers figure recognised by the SPFL.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes was also voted the Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month for September after guiding his side to four wins from four league matches.
The double recognition underlines how impressive Rangers’ September campaign was and reflects the collective improvement within the team.
Rangers also defeated Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup during the month, reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
Makhanya Credits Rangers’ Collective Effort
Despite receiving individual recognition, Makhanya has emphasised the importance of his teammates and the Rangers staff in helping him settle into his new surroundings.
His approach reflects the team-first mentality that has characterised his early months at Ibrox.
For a young defender moving between leagues and countries, adapting quickly is never guaranteed. Makhanya’s September performances, however, indicate that he is becoming increasingly comfortable in Scottish football.
What the Award Means for Makhanya
The Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award gives Makhanya an important platform as he continues his development at Rangers.
It also arrives at an important stage of the season. Rangers are challenging near the top of the Premiership, while Makhanya is gaining experience in high-pressure fixtures, including the Old Firm derby.
The challenge now will be maintaining that level of consistency throughout the season.
For South African football supporters, his progress will be worth following closely. A defender establishing himself at Rangers would not only represent a major personal achievement for Makhanya but could also strengthen South Africa’s options at international level.
With Rangers returning to Scottish Premiership action against Kilmarnock on Saturday, Makhanya will have an immediate opportunity to build on his award-winning September.
Image by Rangers (Instagram)
