Don’t Stay In SA—Quinton Fortune Drops A Heavy Warning To SA Players After Olwethu Makhanya’s Move

Quinton Fortune Backs Olwethu Makhanya’s Rangers Move, Sends Strong Message About South African Football

Former Manchester United and Bafana Bafana midfielder Quinton Fortune has thrown his weight behind Olwethu Makhanya, describing the South African defender’s transfer to Scottish giants Rangers as a major step forward in his football career.

South African football continues to attract positive attention abroad, with former Bafana Bafana international Quinton Fortune expressing his confidence in the development of rising defensive talent Olwethu Makhanya.

The former Manchester United midfielder believes Makhanya made an excellent career decision by leaving Major League Soccer (MLS) side Philadelphia Union for Rangers, insisting that the move provides the young defender with an opportunity to compete at a higher level of European football.

Speaking about the 22-year-old’s progress, Fortune revealed that he had followed Makhanya’s performances during his time in the United States and was particularly pleased to see him secure a move to the Scottish Premiership.

“I watched Olwethu Makhanya a little bit when he was in MLS before and his transfer to Rangers has been a great move for him,” Fortune said, as quoted by The Scottish Sun.

Fortune believes the switch represents more than simply a change of club, arguing that playing for a historically significant European institution such as Rangers places Makhanya in a demanding environment where he can continue improving his overall game.

The former midfielder acknowledged the quality of football in the MLS but maintained that European football offers a different level of exposure, competition and pressure.

According to Fortune, Makhanya’s opportunity to experience the intensity of the famous Old Firm derby against Celtic is particularly valuable.

The Old Firm is widely regarded as one of football’s most emotionally charged rivalries, with enormous expectations placed on players representing both Glasgow clubs.

Fortune believes experiencing such an occasion at an early stage of his European career will help Makhanya develop the mentality required to succeed at the highest level.

The South African defender completed his move from Philadelphia Union to Rangers in July 2026 in a reported £3 million transfer, signing a four-year contract.

His departure from the American club followed an encouraging period in MLS, where he made 42 appearances between 2025 and 2026 and helped Philadelphia Union secure the 2025 Supporters’ Shield.

Makhanya’s progress is also significant for Bafana Bafana, particularly as South Africa continues looking to develop a stronger generation of internationally competitive footballers.

Fortune believes that more South African players should embrace opportunities to compete in Europe whenever the right offers arrive.

He argues that regular exposure to demanding football environments can improve individual performances and ultimately strengthen the national team.

Importantly, Fortune’s backing highlights the growing confidence surrounding Makhanya’s potential and the opportunities his Rangers move could create.

For the young defender, the challenge now is to maintain consistency, establish himself at Ibrox and continue translating his European experience into strong performances for the national team.

With Fortune firmly behind him, Makhanya has another reason to believe that his decision to pursue European football could prove transformational.

South African supporters will undoubtedly be hoping that his development at Rangers becomes another success story for the country’s growing presence in European football.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2120465252634534074?a=Cmrjvq3bnwhhZQaOWx4&s=19

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