Olwethu Makhanya Opens Up on Being Overlooked by Broos, Hopes Mosimane Changes His Bafana Fortune
- Olwethu Makhanya has opened up about his experience under Hugo Broos and what he hopes will change with Pitso Mosimane in charge
- The Rangers defender believes his move to Scotland could strengthen his chances of earning a bigger role with Bafana Bafana
- Makhanya has also shared his honest thoughts on the criticism of MLS and where he ranks the league against the Scottish Premiership
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Olwethu Makhanya believes Pitso Mosimane’s arrival as Bafana Bafana coach can give him a fresh opportunity after feeling overlooked under Hugo Broos.
The Rangers defender, who recently moved from Philadelphia Union in a reported R87 million (approximately US$5.35 million) transfer, made the comments in an interview published by SABC Sport on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
Makhanya was included in Broos’ FIFA World Cup squad in June but did not play during South Africa’s campaign. He now hopes his move to the Scottish Premiership can help him establish himself under Mosimane.
Makhanya sees Mosimane's appointment as a fresh start
Makhanya said the coaching change had altered how he viewed his international prospects.
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“I saw the coaching change as an opportunity for a fresh start in the national team because I always felt like I was overlooked by the previous coach,” the 22-year-old said.
His move to Rangers has also placed him in a European league, something he believes could strengthen his case for further Bafana Bafana involvement.
The defender joined Rangers after beginning his senior career at Stellenbosch FC and later playing in Major League Soccer with Philadelphia Union. Rangers confirmed the signing on a four-year deal, with an option for another year.
Olwethu Makhanya defends MLS quality
Makhanya also addressed the criticism of Major League Soccer, which Hugo Broos had previously questioned during his time as Bafana Bafana coach. The Rangers defender said he had never understood the criticism directed at the American league and suggested that some of those questioning its standard may not have watched enough MLS football.
He argued that people who regularly follow Major League Soccer would assess its quality differently. Makhanya maintained that the league offers high-level football and suggested that playing there should not automatically count against a player when assessing their ability and performances.
He then offered his own ranking of the three competitions.
“Honestly, if I were to rank them, I'll put the Scottish Premiership first, second is the MLS, and the Betway Premiership is third.”
Makhanya has since become a regular presence for Rangers. He played 90 minutes in the club’s 3-0 Old Firm victory over Celtic on 13 September, according to available match records.
His performances have given him an early platform in Scotland as he looks to make a stronger claim for Bafana Bafana selection under Mosimane.
Makhanya’s message is clear: he sees the coaching change and his move to Europe as an opportunity to reset his international career.
Olwethu Makhanya’s impressive Rangers debut
Briefly News previously reported that Olwethu Makhanya made an immediate impact after joining Rangers, earning Man of the Match honours during a 1-0 win over Jablonec at Ibrox.
The 22-year-old defender also received praise from Rangers coach Derek McInnes, who highlighted his ability to defend one-on-one, match attackers for pace and remain composed in possession. The performance offered an early glimpse of what Makhanya could bring to European football.
Makhanya’s strong start in Scotland adds further context to his hopes of establishing himself with Bafana Bafana under new coach Pitso Mosimane.
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Source: Briefly News
