Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya has reflected on scoring his first goal in Rangers FC colours following their 2-2 draw against Hearts FC in a Scottish Premiership encounter on Wednesday night.
Makhanya opened his Rangers account in dramatic fashion, netting an 89th-minute equaliser to rescue a point away from home at Tynecastle Park Stadium.
The South African centre-back has emerged as a key figure for the Scottish giants since joining from Major League Soccer [MLS] side Philadelphia Union in July 2026.
Since making the switch, the former Stellenbosch FC man has made 15 appearances across all competitions for Rangers, with Wednesday’s late strike marking his first goal for the club.
WHAT OLWETHU MAKHANYA SAID ABOUT HIS FIRST GOAL FOR RANGERS FC
Speaking in his post-match reaction, the 22-year-old expressed mixed emotions, admitting that while breaking his duck was a positive, the result fell short of expectations.
“Well, honestly, I don’t feel like I scored a goal today [referring to Wednesday night], but of course, I’m happy,” Makhanya said.
“I feel like since I got my first goal, there will be more coming. So, that’s the only positive that I can take from the game.”
REFLECTING ON RANGERS FC’S PERFORMANCE AGAINST HEARTS FC
Makhanya did not mince his words when reviewing the team’s overall display, emphasising the need to raise their standards after a sluggish start to the second stanza.
“I think the whole performance tonight was really disappointing. We were the better team. I believe it is one of those games we should try to move forward and focus on the next one,” he noted.
“We expected a difficult game against a tough opponent, especially playing away at their home. We just have to show more character.
“I feel like ever since we came back from the FIFA international break, we haven’t been able to start the second half the right way. I feel like it is one of those games where we need to control the game at the right moment and try to play our game.”
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