Olwethu Makhanya shines on and off the pitch in Scotland

Olwethu Makhanya is living his best life on and off the pitch in Scotland. When he isn’t delivering Scottish Premiership Player of the Month performances, he is rubbing shoulders with dignitaries from the South African High Commission.

Makhanya enjoyed an outstanding September, helping his team win all four of their matches while conceding just once and keeping three clean sheets. His defensive performances earned him the Player of the Month award, while coach Derek McInnes picked up the Coach of the Month honor.

The 22-year-old was quick to share the credit, emphasising the collective effort that kept his side defensively resolute and clinical up front.

"It is always good to get individual recognition, but football is a team sport and I feel like I was able to get this award because of everyone around me,” Makhanya said after receiving the award and previewing their fixture against Kilmarnock – a match they won 3–1 on Saturday.

Makhanya’s stellar displays for Rangers did not go unnoticed, earning him a Bafana Bafana call-up for the recent Fifa international break. He played an integral role, starting both AFCON qualifiers as South Africa defeated Guinea 2–1 and Eritrea 5–0.

“I feel like it was a very enjoyable and successful international break. We were able to get two good wins, so we did really well. It was a great experience,” he explained. “To represent my country is always something I work towards, so being able to set that as a goal and achieve it is really rewarding.”

Makhanya has also embraced an informal role as a South African ambassador in Scotland following his mid-year arrival from the United States.

On Friday, Makhanya was invited to the unveiling of a £180,000 (roughly R3.9 million) bronze statue of Nelson Mandela at Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow – marking 33 years since the late SA president visited the city to accept the Freedom of the City.

The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including South Africa's High Commissioner to the UK, Kingsley Mamabolo, Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, and Brian Filling, Chair of the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation.

Makhanya was clearly delighted to be in attendance, taking to Instagram to express his gratitude:

“A special day amongst great minds, celebrating an extraordinary legacy. Sincere thanks to the High Commissioner for the kind invitation.”

Adding to the occasion, veteran South African artist Marah Louw – who originally performed for Mandela during his historic 1993 visit – sang "Circle of Life" and the South African national anthem, accompanied by the Glasgow women's drumming band.