A Rangers defender has revealed his football career nearly ended with a phone call home.
Olwethu Makhanya, who joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union in the summer, said he questioned if football was the right path for him when he left home at 16 in search of opportunities.
The 22-year-old centre-back said: "I think my parents, especially my mum, played a really big role in me becoming a professional footballer. I remember when I first left home to look for better opportunities in a different city.
"I went away from home for the first time, tried, but things were not going well. I called my mum one day. I told her, 'You know what, I just want to come back, maybe focus on education, because maybe football is not for me'."
However, his mother urged him to stick to his plan, and he continued to pursue his football dream. Makhanya said: "The thing that she told me over the phone was that, 'You left here telling me that you're going to go play football, so I want you to do that'.
"So I just had to keep on going until things came true for me."
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The South African international eventually earned a move to Stellenbosch, before heading to the MLS with Philadelphia Union. He secured his move to Ibrox in the summer.
Makhanya said he always believed he could compete at a higher level and is not surprised by his strong start at Rangers. He said: "Honestly, I've never seen myself do anything else. I would say so far so good.
"I feel like I've been settling in very well. Before I even came here, I always felt like I can play at this level, at a higher level.
So I wouldn't say I'm surprised because coming in, I already had the belief that I'll do well."
The defender is now preparing for his first meeting with Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
He expects an intense atmosphere at Ibrox and is excited to be part of the occasion. Makhanya said: "I think everyone understands what this fixture means to the club, to the fans and everyone. So I'm really excited and looking forward to it.
"I just know it's going to be a very passionate game, and I'm excited to be part of it."
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