Rangers new boy lands comparison to Leeds United legend amid 'blessed beyond measure' verdict

Makhanya, 22, has been one of Rangers’ standout performers in the opening weeks of the campaign following his £3million move from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union, but has now jetted back to his homeland as he prepares to face an African Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Guinea and Eritrea. Pitso Mosimane’s side will also face Egypt in an international friendly on October 4.

Part of the Bafana Bafana squad that made it through to the knockout stages of the World Cup this summer, former South Africa captain Thulani Hlatshwayo believes that the country’s centre-back options are as strong as they have been for some time, with Makhanya singled out for praise by the 36-year-old.

Sign up to The Scotsman’s daily football newsletter to get unrivalled Scottish football news and analysis - subscribe for free here.

“They are playing in Europe and America; I think it's very good for them to get the exposure and experience,” said Hlatshwayo. “I look at our own Makhanya; I think he has grown from Stellenbosch, going overseas, playing in the MLS and in Europe now. I think he has grown. I remember when we played Mexico, with Olwethu, because Mexico had a lot of players who are from MLS, he was able to say what kind of players they are, how they play, what their personality is.

“I think in the position of a centre-back, we have been blessed in South Africa. We've been blessed beyond measure with the players playing in that position. The future looks great. They are playing in Europe and America. I think it's very good for them to get the exposure and experience. So, having more of those, I think it works to our advantage as a country because back in the day we didn't have a lot of centre-backs playing abroad.

“You look at our World Cup team, there’s the centre-back pairing between Ime Ikon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Then you look at Makhanya, [Lebone} Seema, and [Samukele] Kabini. I think we've been blessed beyond measure with the players playing in that position. The future looks great.”

Hlatshwayo believes Makhanya and his international teammates can mirror the success of former South African greats who have followed a similar path, such as former Leeds United captain and icon Lucas Radebe. The Rangers defender has been backed to get even better over the coming months as he builds his European experience, with his move to Ibrox hailed as a huge positive to his international side’s prospects.

“I think it works to our advantage as a country because back in the day we didn't have a lot of centre-backs playing abroad,” Hlatshwayo told SportsBoom. “We had Lucas Radebe, Aaron Mokoena, Neil Tovey, and at their age already they were exposed overseas. I think that's a good thing in terms of that centre-back position, because that's where normally you will get a lot of leaders.”