South African media react to Olwethu Makhanya display as Rangers ace involved in storming win

Olwethu Makhanya appears to have had another strong performance away from Rangers.

The centre-back made his competitive debut for his nation recently, helping towards a 2-1 win over Guinea.

The 22-year-old is currently competing with his country in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification stage, with the tournament set to be hosted next summer.

Makhanya has earned his game time after early but impressive performances at Ibrox after joining from Philadelphia Union in the summer.

The defender featured once again for South Africa, playing in another important qualification game, this time against Eritrea.

Makhanya helped Bafana Bafana to a 5-0 victory, as the national media has reacted to the Rangers ace's performance.

How South African media reacted to Olwethu Makhanya vs Eritrea

Makhanya hasn't taken long to settle in at Rangers, quickly becoming an important player for Derek McInnes.

He has formed a strong relationship with Emmanuel Fernandez at the back, helping keep four consecutive clean sheets for the Bears before the break.

The Gers are also on a six-game winning streak, and lots of the credit deserves to go to the defence.

Makhanya picked up his first clean sheet in a competitive match for South Africa, earning further plaudits for his latest display.

The Citizen gave him a 7/10 rating, writing: "Makhanya gave another assured performance in the heart of the Bafana defence, though he was booked in the first half after needlessly conceding possession."

Pro Philani, a South African media personality, gave the Rangers star an 8/10 rating, which was the joint-highest among other players.

It's safe to say that Makhanya is on track to return to Auchenhowie in top form, so long as his fitness keeps up.

Thankfully for the Light Blues, they may not need to worry too much moving forward.

Why Rangers may be able to relax about Makhanya now

Makhanya's international duty is not done after Eritrea.

However, Bafana Bafana have finished their pencilled-in qualification games until the next break in November.

South Africa play Egypt on Sunday in a friendly, where Makhanya could very well be benched.

McInnes would welcome this, as his centre-back has played more than 150 minutes of football over the break already for his country.

The Gers have plenty of fixtures once club football resumes, and McInnes needs everybody fit and raring to go.