Newly arrived South Africa centre back Olwethu Makhanya has been named Scottish Premiership player of the month for September on the back of Glasgow Rangers’ flawless form.
It is a recognition of the quick impact the former Stellenbosch defender has made since his arrival in Scotland from Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.
The 22-year-old signed after the World Cup, where he was part of the Bafana Bafana squad but did not get any game time.
In September, Rangers had four league wins from four games, culminating in back-to-back derby victories as they followed their League Cup quarterfinal success over Celtic with a 1–0 triumph at Parkhead.
Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya has been crowned the Scottish Premier League Player of the Month 🏆 #SSFootball https://t.co/HM2M3Gyr54
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 8, 2026
Makhanya played every minute of Rangers' five games in September, in which they conceded just one goal.
He said he was "proud" to receive award recognition, adding: "I'd like to thank my teammates and all the staff for their support.
"They have helped me settle in and feel part of the group and that makes a big difference when you come to a new club.
"I want to keep working hard, keep improving and help the team get the results we want."
Makhanya was at centre back for Bafana in their two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea over the last fortnight.