Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya has revealed that club legend Richard Gough contacted him with advice after his impressive start at Ibrox. The 22-year-old South African arrived from Philadelphia Union for around £3 million in the summer and has quickly established himself as a key figure in Derek McInnes’ defence.
Rangers: Olwethu Makhanya earns Richard Gough’s praise
Makhanya particularly impressed during Rangers’ consecutive victories over Celtic before the international break. His performances earned him the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award for September, capping a period in which Rangers recorded six successive wins.
Gough, the former Rangers captain who helped the club win nine consecutive league titles, recently praised the young defender on social media. Their conversation followed through Instagram, where the former centre-back offered advice drawn from his successful career.
“It’s good to get some advice from a legend,” Makhanya explained, admitting that he researched Gough’s achievements after receiving the message. The defender appreciated the recognition and valued the guidance about maintaining his standards.
Rangers have recovered from a difficult start to the campaign, moving within two points of Celtic before the break. A victory against Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday would put McInnes’ team top before Celtic face Motherwell on Sunday.
Can Rangers rely on Makhanya and Fernandez to sustain their title challenge?
Makhanya believes the pressure of playing for Rangers has helped him develop mentally. He described pressure as a privilege and insisted that his confidence has grown as the team has improved.
The defender has developed a promising partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez, with both players learning to anticipate each other’s movements and responsibilities. Makhanya credited his defensive partner, teammates and coaching staff for helping him earn individual recognition.
He stressed that defenders cannot succeed alone, particularly at a club where fans expect consistent performances and victories. Their understanding could prove valuable as Rangers face tougher tests during the title race.
Can Rangers turn Makhanya’s promising start into a title-winning defensive foundation?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers is seen during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Glasgow Rangers and St. Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on September 09, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Makhanya’s £3 million transfer looks encouraging because Rangers have found a young defender who appears comfortable with the demands of Scottish football. His performances against Celtic offer stronger evidence of his potential than individual awards alone.
However, two victories over Celtic cannot guarantee consistency across an entire season. Rangers need Makhanya and Fernandez to maintain their communication, defend transitions effectively and limit costly mistakes against opponents who exploit space behind an aggressive defensive line.
Gough’s advice could help Makhanya manage expectations, but the defender must continue improving his positioning and decision-making under pressure. If he sustains his current level, Rangers could have a dependable defensive partnership around which McInnes can build a serious title challenge. The real test begins when fatigue, injuries and difficult away fixtures start exposing weaknesses that early-season momentum can conceal.