Rangers have received an early boost from an unexpected defensive partnership, with Emmanuel Fernandez admitting that Olwethu Makhanya has surprised him since arriving at Ibrox.
The South Africa n centre-back joined from Philadelphia Union for a reported £3m, signing a four-year contract with an option for another year. At 22, Makhanya arrived with useful MLS experience, yet few expected him to settle so quickly in Scottish football.
Fernandez certainly didn't. The Nigeria international told Footy-Africa that he was surprised by Makhanya's quality from the moment he arrived, calling his new partner a top player. The two defenders have quickly become a regular pairing for Derek McInnes.
Rangers have tightened up at the back during his run in the side, and the partnership with Fernandez has grown with every outing. Rangers entered the break after four straight wins, and just one goal conceded.
There was another test at Celtic Park on September 20. Rangers secured a 1-0 victory, with Fernandez and Makhanya completing the full match as the visitors kept another clean sheet. Makhanya later said their relationship continued to grow. He has started six Premiership matches this season, and has become a regular presence in McInnes' back line.
Still, Fernandez believes his teammate has another level to reach. Scotland presents different demands from MLS, particularly in the speed, physical contests and tactical detail centre-backs face. Makhanya has handled the change well, yet Fernandez expects his understanding of Scottish football to improve with experience.
That development matters because Makhanya arrived with a useful pedigree. At Philadelphia Union he made 42 MLS regular-season appearances, including 36 starts, before leaving the club. His MLS record gave Rangers a useful sample of senior football before the move. He helped Philadelphia win the 2025 Supporters' Shield and earned his first senior South Africa call-up in 2026.
According to Fernandez, the dressing room now has a more uplifting mood, with greater togetherness among the players. The target remains clear. Rangers want the Scottish Premiership title back this season. That ambition leaves little room for defensive doubt at Ibrox now.
However, Fernandez insists the squad must focus on the next fixture rather than the final table. He pointed to consistency, concentration and limiting mistakes as basic requirements for players representing a club with demanding fans.
"He's a very good player, South African boy. To be fair, I was surprised from when he came in. I didn't expect him to be as good as he is, but he's a top player," he told Footy-Africa.
"There's even still more to come from him; there's still more understanding to come from him, because the game's a bit different in Scotland, but he's very good", the Super Eagles defender concluded.
"I feel like this year the mood is very uplifting; I feel like there's a lot of togetherness within the team", Fernandez explained.
"Obviously our goal is to win the league title, but we take it game by game. We just focus on winning every game that's ahead of us, and we'll see where that gets us towards the end of the season.
"Consistency is something we need to do, and that's something I probably need to do within my game as well—be focused, concentrated every game.
"As a footballer, sometimes you might not have the best of games all the time. But as long as you keep your mistakes minimal and you work as hard as possible, I think that's the best thing you can do for the fans and the club. There's a lot of demand at the club, and I feel like this demand is where players show how good they are."
The coming weeks will test their chemistry, especially as Rangers face the demands of domestic competition alongside their wider campaign.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers is seen during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Glasgow Rangers and St. Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on September 09, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
There is a strong football case for giving the partnership time. Makhanya is 22, Fernandez is 25. Recent results suggest the pairing can provide stability.
The financial argument deserves attention too. Rangers paid around £3m for Makhanya, according to Sky Sports, while a sustained run of strong performances could increase his value. Selling either defender for a large offer could weaken the football project during a title push.
My view is simple. Keep the pair together unless a bid changes the club's entire financial picture. Rangers need continuity at centre-back, and breaking up a settled partnership would carry a sporting cost. If Makhanya continues improving and Fernandez maintains his concentration, this could become one of the most useful foundations of the Rangers' season.
