Olwethu Makhanya praised for South Africa impact on second cap

Olwethu Makhanya continues to shine, this time on the international stage.

Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya was commended by South Africa boss Pitso Mosimane after he contributed to his nation’s latest victory.

The in-form Rangers defender earned his second cap for his country as the Bafana Bafana beat Guinea 2-1 in their African Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The game marked a winning start for Mosimane in his second spell as South Africa coach.

The hosts took the lead in the 30th minute when centre-back Ime Okon scored his first senior international goal, reacting quickest to a loose ball from a set-piece routine to volley home from close range.

Guinea equalised in the 69th minute through Seydouba Cissé, who capitalised on a deflected free-kick, before substitute Samukele Kabini restored the advantage in the 77th minute.

The defender finished calmly after being played in by fellow substitute Yanela Mbuthuma, securing the three points and sending South Africa top of Group D.

Olwethu Makhanya played the full 90 minutes alongside Okon in central defence and was part of a back line that largely contained Guinea’s threat.

Makhanya makes impact for South Africa

Mosimane was particularly impressed at how the Rangers man dealt with Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.

He said: “Olwethu Makhanya was very good, along with Kamogelo Sebelebele and Ime Okon.

“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.

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

“So I was delighted at the win against a very good team and we now have players coming through who will be very important to this team.

Mosimane also noted that Makhanya and Okon “did exceptionally well” and expressed satisfaction at giving the former a start after limited previous opportunities.

As detailed by Rangers Review, stats from the game underlined Makhanya’s solid display.

He won both of his tackles and his only aerial duel, made six recoveries, was not dribbled past, and completed 95 per cent of his passes.

Rule Makhanya!

The result puts Bafana Bafana in a strong position early in the group, which also includes Kenya and Eritrea.

Olwethu Makhanya now plays his next match in different circumstances when South Africa face Eritrea.

Eritrea only returned to playing international football earlier this year after going four years in exile.

The game is being played in neutral Cairo, Egypt, because the Eritreans do not have the facilities to host international football.