Olwethu Makhanya lands new Rangers recognition and instantly thanks one teammate
Rangers' Olwethu Makhanya has started to show his true qualities for the Bears.
The centre-back arrived from MLS side Philadelphia Union in the summer, costing the 49ers around £3million.
Derek McInnes has been pleased with the defender's performances, despite an overall poor start to the season from the Gers.
Makhanya's early Ibrox success saw him called up to South Africa's international team for the break, where he made his competitive debut for his country.
The 22-year-old is a huge reason why McInnes' side are currently heading into a clash against Kilmarnock on Saturday on a six-game win streak.
Makhanya's performances in September have now seen him pick up the Player of the Month award, but he has shifted the credit away from himself.
Who has Olwethu Makhanya praised after SPFL award win?
Rangers had a double swoop of the awards after McInnes won Manager of the Month alongside Makhanya's Player of the Month triumph.
It is expected that the defender's price tag has already soared since arriving in Govan, with his two performances in the wins over Celtic particularly impressing.
The Bears have not conceded in any of their last four games in all competitions, and will be looking to improve their impressive record against Killie this weekend.
However, Makhanya knows that the defence around him also deserves credit for the work they have done, with Emmanuel Fernandez in particular receiving praise.
The defender said, as quoted by The Scottish Sun: "My relationship with Manny is really good, even off the field.
"We understand each other a lot more now, and we balance each other when we play.
"I feel it’s a good partnership. It is always good to get individual recognition, but football is a team sport."
Makhanya and Fernandez have formed a formidable partnership at the back, as McInnes was surely anxious watching the pair play for their respective nations over the break.
Emmanuel Fernandez reacts to Makhanya message
Unlike Makhanya, Fernandez already has one season of Scottish football under his belt.
He also cost the Gers a fee in the region of £3m, as the 49ers reportedly see his current value as significantly higher than what they paid for him.
Andy Halliday recently called Fernandez a "monster" after what he's seen the centre-back do against Celtic, backing him to be a hugely influential player for McInnes this season.
Rangers posted a short interview with the South African, who again insisted that his performances have been thanks to a team effort, and Fernandez reacted by liking the post.
The Ibrox faithful will be hopeful that the two can continue to grow alongside each other this season.
The early signs are very promising.