Olwethu Makhanya’s former coach at Major League Soccer [MLS] side Philadelphia Union, Bradley Carnell, has shared his thoughts on the 22-year-old defender’s rapid rise, amid reported interest from English Premier League clubs.
Since swapping Philadelphia Union for Glasgow giants Rangers FC, Makhanya has established himself as one of the most promising defensive talents in the Scottish Premiership, transitioning seamlessly into the club’s set-up.
Makhanya has been a mainstay for the Derek McInnes-coached side since his arrival in July, missing just one Premiership match. According to Transfermarkt, he has made 13 appearances across all competitions.
He has played eight times in the Scottish Premiership, featured in two League Cup matches, and competed twice in UEFA Conference League qualifiers and once in Europa League qualifiers.
His rich vein of form earned him the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award for September. As it stands, Rangers are second on the log with 20 points, four points behind leaders Celtic FC.
The Bafana Bafana centre-back is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs Sunderland and Brentford after an impressive start in Scotland.
‘YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE READY’ – BRADLEY CARNELL ON OLWETHU MAKHANYA
His former coach Carnell is excited by how Makhanya has fared. The South African coach arrived at Philadelphia Union in January 2025, with Makhanya already in the club’s reserve side, waiting to be promoted to the senior team. In an interview with FARPost, Carnell said Makhanya has the tools to play at any level.
“You always have to be ready. He has shown he has the physical tools and the skill set to play at any level; you just need the exposure, and you just need the chance,” Carnell told FARPost.
“Is anyone ever really ready for the next step? Unless you try, you’ll never know. The time he had in Philadelphia and now the time he’s having in Glasgow gives him a good gauge that he’s able to step up to different levels, and that’s very important – for him to know that he can do it.
“He’s raising up the levels and adapting very well, and he is showing that no level is too high for him right now. But what’s important is staying grounded and being humble, and doing all those things we’ve tried to guide every player with, not just the physical, tactical, and technical tools.
“But also the life skills to tackle challenges off the field and deal with people and the media in the right way. He is on a really good path, and he’s adapting to every level.”
With Makhanya continuing to adapt at every level since Carnell gave him his MLS debut, a move to the Premier League may no longer be a question of if, but when.
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