Olwethu Makhanya credits family support for his professional soccer career
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 2:21 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya says parental guidance proved essential in his decision to remain a professional footballer. The 22-year-old South Africa international moved to Johannesburg at age 16 to pursue a career but considered quitting to focus on education when his early efforts struggled. His mother encouraged him to persist in his original goal, leading to his eventual signing with Stellenbosch. Since moving to Rangers from Philadelphia Union this summer, Makhanya has contributed to a four-game league winning run for the team. He now prepares for a League Cup quarter-final match against Celtic on Sunday. The defender acknowledges the significance of the upcoming Old Firm derby and the pressure associated with the fixture.
- •Olwethu Makhanya moved to Johannesburg at age 16 to seek a professional football career.
- •His mother intervened when he considered leaving the sport to pursue education.
- •Makhanya joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union this summer.
- •Rangers are currently on a four-game league winning run.
- •Rangers host Celtic in a League Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
- 2:21 PMYahoo Sports — How parental push kept Makhanya's career on track
"Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya has revealed his parents were crucial in pushing him to continue his dream of playing football after he began to doubt he would make the grade. The South Africa international, who has looked comfortable in Derek McInnes' defence since signing from Philadelphia Union in the summer, admits a nudge in the right direction helped salvage his career. Makhanya, 22, left home to move to Johannesburg at 16 in a bid to find a club, eventually signing with Stellenbosch after his mother's crucial intervention.
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