The defender played his part as Rangers won all five matches last month, including four league victories, with Derek McInnes also receiving the Manager of the Month award.
With Rangers hosting Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday, Makhanya spoke to the media at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference.
He said: “It is always good to get individual recognition, but football is a team sport and I feel like I was able to get this award because of everyone around me.
“Right now, we are in a good run of form, and we are headed in the right direction. For us, it is about keeping on doing the things that are working for us.”
The South African returned from international duty having enjoyed further success, helping his country to three victories during the break.
He continued: “I feel like it was a very enjoyable and successful international break. We were able to win all three games, so we did really well. It was a good experience.
“To represent my country is always something I work towards, so being able to set that as a goal and achieve it is really good.”
Reflecting on his time at Ibrox so far, Makhanya described the opportunity to represent Rangers as a dream come true.
The defender has also received encouragement from former Rangers captain Richard Gough.
He said: “It is good to get some advice from a legend, so we did speak a little bit on Instagram. I did some research on how successful he was with this club, so to hear from him means a lot to me.
“To be part of this club is a dream come true.
“When I was young, I used to look up to Bongani Zungu, who happens to have played for the club, so being here for me is unreal and a real blessing.”
Makhanya believes his ability to handle the expectations has been an important part of settling in so quickly in Glasgow.
Asked where he feels he has improved most, he added: “I would say the mental side. I am able to embrace everything I go through now, the pressure and everything.
“A younger me would maybe fold under the pressure, but now I understand that pressure is a privilege, especially playing for such a big club with all the expectations. I always try to make sure I am in a good space mentally."
