Why new Rangers star felt ‘ghosted’ by former boss before Ibrox move

Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya has spoken about his disappointment at the World Cup and claimed he felt overlooked by former South Africa manager Hugo Broos.

The 23-year-old has made a positive impression since completing his £3 million transfer from MLS club Philadelphia Union during the summer.

Makhanya was part of South Africa’s World Cup squad but failed to make an appearance during the tournament. Broos had previously questioned the quality of MLS football, something the Rangers defender clearly disagreed with.

A change in the national team dugout has now given Makhanya another opportunity to establish himself internationally.

Pitso Mosimane has returned for his third spell as Bafana Bafana manager and has included the Rangers player in his latest squad. Makhanya is expected to feature prominently during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as the friendly meeting with Egypt.

Speaking about the managerial change, Makhanya admitted he viewed it as an opportunity to start again with the national team.

He said: “I saw the coaching change as an opportunity for a fresh start in the national team because I always felt like I was overlooked by the previous manager.”

The defender also questioned the criticism directed towards MLS, suggesting that those who dismissed the standard of the competition may not have watched enough of it.

“I never understood the criticism because all these people probably never actually watched the MLS,” he added.

“People that really watch that league will tell you that it’s high level football.”

Makhanya has now experienced football in South Africa, the United States and Scotland, giving him a basis for comparison between the three competitions.

And despite only recently arriving at Rangers, he has already placed the Scottish Premiership above the other leagues he has played in.

“Honestly if I were to rank the leagues that I have played in, I’ll put the Scottish Premiership first, second is the MLS and the South African Premiership is third,” Makhanya said.