Olwethu Makhanya says Rangers are fully aware of the importance of Thursday night's European clash with Jagiellonia Bialystok as they look to progress in the Europa League.
The South African defender was speaking to the media ahead of Rangers' crucial second-leg meeting with Jagiellonia at Ibrox, just days after making his debut for the club during Sunday’s Premiership defeat to Hibernian.
Makhanya was handed his first Rangers appearance at the weekend after arriving at Ibrox and admitted that while he was pleased with his personal performance, the result left him disappointed.
The defender described Ibrox as a special place to make his debut but insisted the focus has quickly shifted towards finding a way to get the result Rangers need against Jagiellonia.
“I'm happy obviously about my debut, but of course not happy with the results,” Makhanya said.
“I feel like Ibrox is a special place to make the debut, in front of all our fans.
“And I also feel like even though we didn't win the game, I feel like there's a lot of positives that we can take from the game moving forward.”
Makhanya understands European importance
The 24-year-old has already been made aware of the expectations surrounding European nights at Ibrox, with Rangers needing to produce a strong performance against the Poles to keep their Europa League ambitions alive.
Makhanya revealed that members of the Rangers squad have spoken to him about what to expect from the atmosphere and occasion.
“They've told me about all the expectations,” he said. “There's a lot of belief within the group and everyone understands what's at stake tomorrow.”
The importance of progressing in Europe has also been made clear to the new arrival.
Makhanya said the players have been told that Thursday's fixture is a game Rangers “need to win” if they are to progress in the competition.
“It's very important for us to win the game tomorrow and they've obviously communicated the importance of how the game is and what's at stake,” he added.
‘Winning is not everything, it’s the only thing’
Makhanya has quickly gained an understanding of the standards expected at Rangers since completing his move from the MLS.
The defender said one of the first messages communicated to him after arriving at the club was the enormous emphasis placed on winning.
“Coming into the club, the first thing that I was told is that winning is not everything. It's just the only thing expected,” he said.
“To me that just shows how high the quality is or the expectations within the club.”
The former MLS player admitted that the expectations at Ibrox are extremely high, although he said that was something he anticipated before making the move.
“I was expecting the fans to have expectations on us as players and as a club,” Makhanya said.
“They are really high and we just got to keep doing the job.”
From MLS to European football
Makhanya also reflected on his development during his time in Major League Soccer with former club Philadelphia Union, admitting his early experiences in the United States were difficult.
He initially struggled for regular playing time but believes those challenges ultimately helped prepare him for the next stage of his career.
“At first when I moved into the MLS, my first season was really difficult, struggling to get game time,” he explained.
“But I feel like that hard moment or that phase prepared me for the future.
“As time went on, I started growing as a player, learning from all the experiences and I feel like because of the hard and good times I had in the MLS, I'm a much better player now.”
He also recalled the experience of coming up against Lionel Messi, describing sharing a pitch with one of the greatest players in football history as an “unbelievable experience”.
For now, however, Makhanya's attention is firmly on his new club and the challenge facing Rangers on Thursday night.
The defender knows what is expected of him and his teammates as they attempt to deliver a European night to remember at Ibrox.
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