Former Orlando Pirates Coach Bradley Carnell Weighs In on Olwethu Makhanya’s Premier League Transfer Rumours: ‘You Always Have to Be Ready’

Olwethu Makhanya is attracting attention for his progress as a centre-back, with speculation about a possible move to the English Premier League raising questions about his long-term future. The South African defender has continued to build his reputation through his development in Major League Soccer and his subsequent move to Scottish football with Rangers. His progress has also caught the attention of former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Bradley Carnell, who believes the young defender has the physical ability and technical qualities to compete at the highest level. Carnell, who previously worked with Makhanya at Philadelphia Union, has offered an encouraging assessment of the player’s potential while stressing the importance of preparation, humility and continued development. His comments come as interest in South African footballers abroad continues to grow, with Makhanya emerging as a player to watch in discussions about a potential Premier League opportunity. However, although the possibility of a move to England has generated interest, there is no confirmed transfer agreement based on the information currently available.

Makhanya’s rise has been shaped by his willingness to adapt to new environments and higher levels of competition. His time at Philadelphia Union provided valuable experience in the United States, where he had the opportunity to progress from the reserve ranks towards the senior setup. That development helped him gain exposure to a different style of football and understand the demands of competing against established professionals. Moving to Rangers presented another challenge, placing him in a Scottish football environment known for its intensity, physical contests and pressure to deliver consistent results. For a young centre-back, these experiences can be particularly valuable because the position requires concentration, sound decision-making and the ability to respond quickly when opponents exploit defensive weaknesses.

Carnell’s assessment carries additional significance because he worked directly with Makhanya during an important stage of his career. The former Orlando Pirates assistant coach joined Philadelphia Union in early 2025 and oversaw the defender’s progression towards the senior squad. That experience gave Carnell an opportunity to observe Makhanya’s qualities beyond what supporters see during competitive matches. He highlighted the defender’s physical attributes and technical ability, suggesting that the necessary foundations for competing at different levels are already in place. Carnell’s message was clear when he discussed the importance of remaining prepared for opportunities that may arise during a player’s career. “You always have to be ready,” he said, emphasising that footballers cannot afford to wait until an opportunity arrives before preparing themselves for a new challenge.

The coach also questioned whether any player can ever be completely ready to take the next step in professional football. His view is that certain aspects of development can only be tested through experience, particularly when a player moves into an unfamiliar league or faces stronger opposition. “Is anyone ever really ready for the next step? Unless you try, you’ll never know,” Carnell explained. He pointed to Makhanya’s experience in Philadelphia and Glasgow as evidence that the defender has already had opportunities to test himself in different footballing environments. Such exposure can help a young player understand how well his abilities translate to new tactical systems and competitive demands. For Makhanya, that adaptability could prove important if a genuine opportunity to play in England eventually materialises.

The speculation surrounding a possible English Premier League transfer reflects the interest that can follow a defender who progresses quickly in European football. The Premier League remains one of the most demanding competitions in the world, with clubs looking for players who can combine technical quality with physical strength, tactical awareness and consistency. Centre-backs must also demonstrate composure under pressure, communicate effectively with teammates and make accurate decisions when defending against quick attackers. Experience in Scotland could help Makhanya continue developing these qualities, although success in one competition does not automatically guarantee success in another. Any English club considering a move would need to assess his performances, suitability for its playing system and potential for further improvement before deciding whether to pursue a transfer.

Rangers could also represent an important stage in Makhanya’s development, regardless of whether the reported English interest leads to a concrete offer. Playing for a major Scottish club brings expectations, pressure and the responsibility to perform consistently in domestic and continental competitions. Regular appearances can help a defender improve his positioning, understand different attacking patterns and become more comfortable making decisions in high-pressure situations. The supplied information indicates that Makhanya had featured in 13 matches across all competitions during the period described, missing only one league fixture. Such involvement suggests that he has been given meaningful opportunities to demonstrate his ability, although continued selection and performance will be important in determining how his reputation develops.

Carnell has also emphasised that physical, tactical and technical ability must be supported by the right attitude. Young footballers who attract attention from bigger clubs can face new expectations, increased media scrutiny and pressure to prove that their performances justify the excitement surrounding them. Remaining humble and focused can help players avoid distractions while continuing to learn from coaches and experienced teammates. Carnell stressed the importance of staying grounded and maintaining the values that coaches try to instil in their players. His comments suggest that Makhanya’s future should not be judged solely by speculation about the next transfer window. Consistent improvement, professional discipline and the ability to respond positively to setbacks will be equally important as he seeks to establish himself at a higher level.

Makhanya’s progress also carries significance for South African football and Bafana Bafana. South African defenders who gain experience in competitive overseas leagues can bring valuable knowledge and confidence to the national team. Exposure to different tactical approaches can improve their understanding of defensive organisation, pressing systems and the demands of international football. For a player still developing his career, regular competition abroad can also provide opportunities to measure himself against opponents with different strengths and styles. However, national-team prospects ultimately depend on performances, selection decisions and the player’s ability to maintain his standards over time. If Makhanya continues to develop at Rangers, his experience could strengthen his credentials as a defender capable of contributing at international level.

A potential move to the English Premier League would represent another major step in Makhanya’s career, but the distinction between transfer rumours and confirmed developments remains important. Interest from scouts does not necessarily mean that a club has made an offer or that negotiations have begun. Transfers depend on several factors, including a player’s contract situation, the selling club’s position, the buying club’s requirements and the financial terms involved. For now, Carnell’s comments provide insight into why he believes Makhanya has the attributes to pursue higher ambitions, rather than confirmation that a move to England is imminent. The defender’s immediate challenge is to continue producing strong performances and demonstrate that he can handle the expectations that come with playing for Rangers.

Carnell’s endorsement ultimately reflects confidence in Makhanya’s ability to keep progressing through the levels of professional football. His message is not that the defender has already reached his ceiling, but that he has shown enough adaptability and potential to justify testing himself against increasingly difficult challenges. Experience in the United States and Scotland has provided a foundation for further growth, while his attitude and consistency will help determine what opportunities follow. A Premier League transfer could become a realistic possibility if his performances continue to attract serious interest, but it remains a prospect rather than a confirmed outcome. For Makhanya, the priority is to stay prepared, remain humble and keep improving, following the principle at the heart of Carnell’s advice: “You always have to be ready.”