Olwethu Makhanya’s impressive start to life at Rangers has earned the young defender praise from one of South Africa’s former international leaders, with the 22-year-old being compared to Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe.
Makhanya arrived at Ibrox from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union in a reported £3 million move and has quickly established himself as one of Rangers’ notable performers during the early stages of the campaign. His progress has also strengthened his standing with the South African national team, where competition for places in central defence is becoming increasingly strong.
The Rangers defender has now returned to international duty as South Africa prepares for an important run of fixtures. Makhanya is part of a Bafana Bafana group that includes several centre-backs gaining valuable experience outside their homeland.
Former South Africa captain Thulani Hlatshwayo believes that development is a major positive for the national team. The 36-year-old has highlighted Makhanya as an example of a defender who has benefited significantly from moving abroad and experiencing different styles of football.
Speaking about South Africa’s defensive options, Hlatshwayo pointed to the growing number of centre-backs playing in Europe and America as evidence of the country’s improving depth.
“I think we have been blessed in South Africa,” Hlatshwayo said. “We’ve been blessed beyond measure with the players playing in that position. The future looks great.”
For Hlatshwayo, Makhanya’s development demonstrates why international exposure can be so valuable. The defender began his career in South Africa before moving to Philadelphia Union, where he gained experience in MLS. His subsequent transfer to Rangers has given him another opportunity to develop in a different footballing environment.
Hlatshwayo recalled seeing Makhanya use his MLS experience during international duty, particularly when South Africa faced Mexico.
“I remember when we played Mexico, with Olwethu, because Mexico had a lot of players who are from MLS, he was able to say what kind of players they are, how they play, what their personality is,” he explained.
That ability to understand opponents from previous experience can become an important asset for an international defender. Makhanya is now gaining another layer of experience in Scotland, where the demands of playing for Rangers provide a different challenge.
His move to Ibrox has also brought him into the conversation surrounding South Africa’s next generation of defenders. Hlatshwayo believes the current group has the potential to follow the path established by previous South African players who built successful careers overseas.
Among those names is Lucas Radebe, the former Leeds United captain who became one of the most respected South African footballers in English football.
Radebe joined Leeds in 1994 and went on to become a key figure at Elland Road. His leadership, defensive ability and longevity made him an influential figure for both club and country, while his time in England helped establish a pathway for future South African players.
Hlatshwayo also mentioned Aaron Mokoena and Neil Tovey when discussing the importance of international experience and leadership from the centre-back position.
“We had Lucas Radebe, Aaron Mokoena, Neil Tovey, and at their age already they were exposed overseas,” Hlatshwayo told SportsBoom. “I think that’s a good thing in terms of that centre-back position, because that’s where normally you will get a lot of leaders.”
Makhanya still has considerable work ahead of him before his career can be compared directly with Radebe’s achievements, but the comparison underlines the expectations surrounding his development.
His early performances at Rangers have given South Africa another reason for optimism. Alongside other defenders playing outside the country, Makhanya is gaining experience that could prove valuable during future international tournaments.
South Africa’s defensive pool now includes players competing across different leagues and footballing cultures. Hlatshwayo believes that variety can benefit the national team, particularly as the younger generation continues to mature.
“You look at our World Cup team, there’s the centre-back pairing between Ime Ikon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Then you look at Makhanya, Lebone Seema, and Samukele Kabini,” he said. “I think we’ve been blessed beyond measure with the players playing in that position.”
For Rangers, Makhanya’s international recognition adds another positive dimension to what has already been an encouraging beginning in Scotland. Regular exposure at both club and international level should provide him with further opportunities to develop his game.
The challenge now is maintaining that progress. With Rangers demanding strong performances and South Africa continuing to build a competitive squad, Makhanya has the chance to establish himself as an important defender for both club and country.
The Lucas Radebe comparison may bring significant expectations, but it also reflects the growing belief in Makhanya’s potential. If his development continues at its current pace, his move from South Africa to MLS and now to Rangers could become an important chapter in the next generation of Bafana Bafana defenders.
