Vuyo Mere Moves Into Legal Consultancy After Brief Coaching Career

Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya has spoken about scoring his first goal for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, but the young defender admitted that he could not fully enjoy the moment because his team failed to secure all three points.

Makhanya found the back of the net late on Wednesday evening to help Rangers rescue a 2-2 draw against Hearts. His goal proved important as it allowed his side to avoid defeat, although the result was still disappointing for the Rangers players.

Scoring his first goal for the club was a special moment for the South African defender. However, Makhanya made it clear that the team’s overall performance mattered more to him than his personal achievement.

Speaking to Rangers TV after the match, Makhanya admitted that he did not feel like he had scored because of the disappointment surrounding the result.

“Honestly, I don’t even feel like I scored a goal,” said Makhanya.

“But I’m happy, I feel like since I got my first, there will be more coming. So, that’s the only positive I can take from the game.”

The defender was pleased to finally get his first goal for Rangers and believes more goals could follow. However, he was also honest about the team’s performance, admitting that they did not play to the standard expected of them.

Makhanya explained that Rangers are capable of producing much better performances and that the players need to put the disappointing result behind them as they prepare for their next match.

“I think the whole performance tonight [Wednesday] was really disappointing, we are a better team than what we showed today,” he added.

“It’s one of those games that we have to just move forward and focus on the next one.”

The South African defender also acknowledged that playing against Hearts away from home was never going to be an easy task. He explained that Rangers expected a difficult match but believed they needed to show more character during the contest.

“We expected it that it was going to be difficult cause they are a difficult opponent to play especially at home. We just had to show more character,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, Makhanya’s first Rangers goal is an important personal milestone. The defender will hope to build on this achievement and continue improving as he establishes himself at the Scottish club.

Meanwhile, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars defender Vuyo Mere has now swapped football for legal consultancy. The 42-year-old, who holds several PSL records, has joined Consumer Credit Law (CCL) as a junior consultant. Mere retired from professional football in 2024 and briefly pursued a coaching career with TS Galaxy before changing direction. He now works alongside consumer credit specialists, helping South Africans protect their homes, vehicles and credit records. Mere’s move shows how former players can build successful new careers outside the game, even after finally hanging up their boots.

Mere’s career change is another example of how footballers can explore opportunities beyond the pitch after retirement. While Makhanya is still building his career as a professional footballer, Mere has started a new chapter away from the game.

For Makhanya, the immediate focus will be on helping Rangers return to winning ways. His first goal is something to celebrate, but the defender will know that consistent performances and positive results are what matter most to the team.

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