International Soccer
Official: Olwethu Makhanya transferred to Rangers FC
Center back Olwethu Makhanya won’t be returning to Chester after his time with South Africa at the FIFA World Cup. Both the Philadelphia Union and Rangers FC made the transfer of the 22-year-old official on Thursday.
Makhanya’s move is reportedly in the $4.5 million range, which ranks in the top 3 of all-time outgoing transfers for the team. The Union reportedly paid in the $800,000 range to acquire the South Africa international from Stellenbosch FC in 2023.
“We greatly appreciate Olwethu’s contributions in his three years with the Union,” Union Sporting Director Jon Scheer said in a news release. “He has grown tremendously since joining the club and proved himself to be impactful on our backline. We believe this is a great opportunity for Olwethu as he continues to develop, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter.”
The Union’s first-ever U22 Initiative signing, Makhanya made 42 MLS regular-season appearances (36 starts) and scored one goal during his time with the club.
After joining Philadelphia from Stellenbosch FC in July 2023, the South African center back developed with Union II before establishing himself as a first-team regular during the 2025 season. He made his MLS debut against Orlando City SC on February 22, 2025, and helped anchor a defense that led the Union to the club’s second Supporters’ Shield.
On the international stage, Makhanya represented South Africa at the U-23 level before earning his first senior national team call-up in May 2026 when he was selected to the Bafana Bafana squad for FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Makhanya’s return to Chester was in doubt after he didn’t rejoin the group. He told the Rangers website that playing for the Scottish club was a fulfillment of a childhood dream.
“I can’t even explain how I am feeling right now, it is honestly a big honour and a huge blessing for me to join such a big club with so much history,” Makhanya said. “For me, it has always been a dream to play football in Europe, ever since I was a kid, so to be here is a dream come true.”
The Scottish Premiership season kicks off today for the Rangers with a visit to Dundee United.
