The South African defender got his first start in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash against Hibernian at Ibrox.
Now he is gearing up for a taste of Europa League action as Derek McInnes’ men look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat to the Polish side.
Makhanya was delighted to play in front of the supporters at the weekend but insists he was disappointed the match ended in defeat.
Speaking to the media, he said: “Coming to Rangers, the first thing I was told was that winning is everything and it is expected in every game.
“I enjoy that type of pressure. We all work hard and want to win games.
“It is very important that we win this game, and we know the importance of it.
“We need to win the game to progress in the tournament.
“When I moved to the MLS, I hoped it would get me a move to Europe.
“The conversations I had with the club were good. Everyone felt this was a good environment for me to continue to grow as a player.
Tickets: Secure your ticket for tomorrow's UEFA Europa League fixture against Jagiellonia Białystok at Ibrox
“The manager and I spoke, and he explained to me that I would be an important player in defence.
“Rangers is such a big club with so many expectations.
“The game against Hibs, I was pleased to make my debut, but I wasn’t happy with the result.
“Ibrox is a special place to make your debut in front of all of our fans. We didn’t win, but there are positives to take moving forward.
“We have to find ways to win.”
Makhanya joined the Light Blues from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union after three years in the United States, where the big stopper came up against the likes of Argentina legend Lionel Messi.
Despite taking on one of the game’s greats, Makhanya believes it was the tough times that made him the player he is today.
He added: “Playing in the MLS, it was difficult in my first season, and I struggled to get game time.
“Those hard moments prepared me for the future, and I grew as a player, and I learned from all my experiences.
“I played against Lionel Messi, and it was an unbelievable experience. Everyone looks up to Messi as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
“I never thought I would share a pitch with him, and it was a good experience, and it encouraged me to keep going.”
Tickets: Secure your ticket for tomorrow's UEFA Europa League fixture against Jagiellonia Białystok at Ibrox
RANGERSTV: The second-leg of Rangers’ UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round clash against Jagiellonia Białystok will be shown exclusively live on RangersTV inside the UK and Ireland and can be purchased for £10.99
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