Rangers defender earns praise after impressive display against Dortmund striker

Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya has received praise from South Africa manager Pitso Mosimane after helping the national side secure a 2-1 victory over Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Rangers centre-back earned just his second senior cap for South Africa in Johannesburg and impressed during a hard-fought win against a Guinea side containing plenty of attacking quality.

Mosimane was particularly pleased with Makhanya’s performance, alongside fellow defenders Kamogelo Sebelebele and Ime Okon.

The Bafana Bafana boss highlighted the Rangers youngster’s individual battle against a Borussia Dortmund forward and believes Makhanya handled the challenge extremely well.

“Olwethu was very good, along with Kamogelo Sebelebele and Ime Okon,” Mosimane said.

He added: “Olwethu was up against a striker from Borussia Dortmund who is full of quality and he handled him very well.”

Makhanya takes his opportunity

Makhanya was among a group of players who had been part of South Africa’s World Cup squad without making an appearance at the tournament.

Mosimane explained that the current international window was an opportunity for those players to demonstrate what they can offer the national team.

“These are guys who were a part of the World Cup, but did not play and we have to give them a chance to show themselves,” the South Africa manager said.

Makhanya took his opportunity against Guinea and now has another chance to build on his performance when South Africa face Eritrea.

Rangers defender set for another international appearance

Makhanya’s next international assignment will see him face Eritrea in Cairo, Egypt.

The fixture will be played at a neutral venue because Eritrea does not currently have the facilities required to host an international match.

Eritrea only returned to competitive international football earlier this year after going four years without playing a fixture.

For Makhanya, the match provides another opportunity to gain valuable senior experience and strengthen his position within Mosimane’s plans.

His latest performance will also be encouraging for Rangers, particularly with the young defender continuing to gain experience at international level.

After impressing against a high-quality opponent in Guinea, Makhanya will now be looking to produce another assured display when South Africa return to action.