Emmanuel Fernandez: Makhanya makes bold claim about Rangers’ partnership with Nigerian defender

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has received a strong endorsement from new Rangers defensive partner Olwethu Makhanya ahead of the Old Firm derby against Celtic tomorrow, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian defender has formed a new centre-back partnership with Makhanya following the South African’s arrival at Ibrox from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union this summer.

The pair have started to build an understanding at the heart of Rangers’ defence, helping Derek McInnes’ side win four consecutive matches while conceding just once, keeping three clean sheets in four games.

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Their improving partnership comes at an important time for Fernandez, who has faced criticism for some of his performances during Rangers’ difficult start to the campaign.

However, Makhanya has highlighted the positive relationship developing between the two defenders as Rangers prepare for their first Old Firm clash of the season.

Makhanya makes bold claim about Fernandez partnership

Makhanya believes the defensive partnership he has formed with Fernandez is already developing well, despite the pair only playing together for a relatively short period.

The South African has also praised the understanding developing between the centre-backs and the other members of Rangers’ defensive unit.

“I feel like defensively there is a very good partnership between me and Fernandez, James [Penrice] from the left and obviously Dujon [Sterling],” Makhanya said in quotes revealed by Rangers official website.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed an encouraging start to his Rangers career, and he believes his confidence has helped him settle quickly in Glasgow.

“To be honest, before I even came here, I always felt like I could play at this level and at a high level,” he added.

“I wouldn’t say I'm surprised because coming in I already had the belief that I would do well.”

Makhanya’s comments provide a positive assessment of Fernandez’s contribution at a time when the Nigeria international has been under scrutiny for several mistakes this season.

Fernandez himself recently admitted that he needs to improve after coming under criticism, while insisting that he remains focused on developing his game.

Emmanuel Fernandez and Makhanya helping Rangers tighten up

The developing partnership has coincided with a significant improvement in Rangers’ defensive results. Fernandez and Makhanya were also at the heart of Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over St Mirren, with Bojan Miovski scoring a late winner at Ibrox.

The South African centre-back believes that result demonstrated the mentality within the Rangers squad, particularly after the team struggled to convert several opportunities before eventually finding the breakthrough.

“I think that does highlight the fact that maybe the group is strong mentally to go from the first minutes of the game and just keep on going,” he said.

“Even though we created chances, we couldn't take them, but we just kept on going until we scored in the last minutes of the game.”

“That shows a lot of mentality and character from the boys.”

The upcoming Old Firm derby will provide the biggest test yet for the partnership between Fernandez and Makhanya, a fixture the Bafana Bafana defender will experience for the first time since joining the club.

“I think everyone understands what this fixture means to the club, to the fans and everyone,” he continued.

“I am really excited and looking forward to it.”

For Fernandez, the Old Firm will offer another opportunity to prove that his growing understanding with Makhanya can help Rangers reduce the deficit at the top of the SPFL.