---
title: "Glasgow Labour MP intervention provides boost for Rangers Europa League prospects"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/08/04/glasgow-labour-mp-europa-league-rangers-makhanya/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-08-04T10:36:25Z"
modified: "2026-08-04T10:44:05Z"
---

# Glasgow Labour MP intervention provides boost for Rangers Europa League prospects

**Glasgow Labour MP Dr Zubir Ahmed has boosted Rangers’ Europa League prospects by helping ensure Olwethu Makhanya is available for selection against Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday.**

The elected representative for the Glasgow South West constituency, which takes in Ibrox, assisted the club to secure a Visa for the South African to take his place in the squad, and the centre-back is in line to make his debut.

His opportunity comes after it was confirmed that [Ben Godfrey](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/03/ben-godfrey-rangers-injured-four-weeks-confirmed/) will be absent for a month.

A mini-crisis has been averted now that [Olwethu Makhanya](https://readrangers.com/2026/07/30/olwethu-makhanya-rangers-perfect-introduction/) is available, with the supporters set to get their first look at the recent signing from Philadelphia Union.

![](https://media.readrangers.com/readrangers/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-04-11.23.47.png)

## Glasgow Labour MP makes Europa League intervention for Rangers

Thanks to the assistance of the Glasgow Labour MP, Derek McInnes and Rangers can now properly prepare for what will be a tough test in Poland.

[Writing on his Facebook account](https://www.facebook.com/drzubirahmed), Dr Ahmed stated:

“Great to be able to help new Rangers FC signing Olwethu Makhanya get his last-minute Polish visa for Thursday’s Europa League game in Bialystok.

“Whether you’re big or small, if you’re part of the Glasgow South West crew, I will always try to help!”

### Makhanya means reassurance for Rangers

Without the South African, Dujon Sterling would have been required to fill in, which would have meant further upheaval.

Now, the new signing gets an unexpected chance for early exposure and to stake his claim to hold on to the shirt.

The South African World Cup squad member is ready and raring to go, and although Rangers are still looking at further defensive options, he will likely keep his place on Sunday when Hibs travel to Ibrox.