Young South African defender Olwethu Makhanya says joining Rangers feels unreal after growing up looking up to former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu.

The 22-year-old Durban-born centre-back joined the Scottish Premiership club from American side Philadelphia Union in the summer for a reported fee of around £3 million. He has settled quickly at Ibrox and was recently named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September.

Makhanya made the comments about Zungu while speaking ahead of a match at Ibrox. “When I was young, I used to look up to Bongani Zungu, who happens to have played for the club, so being here for me is unreal and a real blessing,” he said.

He added that playing for Rangers has always been a dream. “To be part of this club is a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to play at this level. When I was young in South Africa, I used to look up to Zungu. He played for Rangers so being here too is really a dream for me and a huge honour. At that time, Zungu was one of the few South Africans who played overseas in Europe. To come and play here has always been a dream and that is why I looked up to him so much.”

Zungu spent time at Rangers between 2020 and 2021 on loan and was part of the side that won the Scottish Premiership under Steven Gerrard. Makhanya is one of only a small number of South Africans to have played for the club.

Before moving to Philadelphia Union, Makhanya started his career at Stellenbosch in South Africa. He earned a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 World Cup, although he did not play at the tournament.

His strong form at Rangers has stood out. The team won all five matches in September, including four in the league, and Makhanya played an important part in a solid defence. He credited his teammates and coaches for helping him settle so quickly and for the individual award.

Makhanya has described the move as a big honour and has already impressed enough for some observers to call him one of the standout summer signings at the club. Rangers legend Richard Gough, who grew up in South Africa, has also been in touch to congratulate him on his performances.

For a player who watched from South Africa as Zungu represented Rangers, pulling on the blue jersey himself has been a special moment. Makhanya continues to build his own story at Ibrox while carrying the hopes of fans back home.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2111412902720676194