Olwethu Makhanya said Rangers’ defensive relationship with Emmanuel Fernandez, James Penrice and Dujon Sterling was already developing well before the Old Firm meeting with Celtic. The partnership then delivered its strongest statement yet, helping Rangers beat Celtic 3–0 at Ibrox to reach the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.

Makhanya joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union during the summer after three years in Major League Soccer, where he made 42 regular-season appearances and helped the Union win the 2025 Supporters’ Shield. The 22-year-old centre-back arrived at Ibrox with a growing reputation after receiving his first senior South Africa call-up for the 2026 World Cup.

He quickly formed a regular central-defensive partnership with Nigeria international Fernandez. Before the Celtic tie, the pair had helped Rangers win four consecutive matches while conceding just