South African midfielder Linda Motlhalo has opened her goal scoring account for the season in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
This was when she found the back of the net with a spectacular curler in a 6-0 defeat over Dundee United on Sunday, 17 September 2023.
Meikayla More had put City ahead with two quick goals (38’, 40’) before Motlhalo struck on the stroke of half time after being restored to the starting line-up.
On the other side of the half Aoife Colvill also registered a brace (63’, 90’) with Sophia Martin chipping in with a goal of her own in the 78th minute.
This was City’s second win within four days where they saw off Hamilton 5-0 in a midweek clash (Wednesday, 12 September). Motlhalo started off the bench and was introduced in the 80th minute.
Last season Motlhalo scored three goals for the defending league champions.
With the international break underway, her latest goal will be sweet music to the ears of Desiree Ellis, Head Coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, especially after losing forward Hilda Magaia due to a medical condition.
The South Korea-based player is one of three withdrawals from the South African Senior Women’s National Team for the two USA friendly matches – the others are UWC’s Sibulele Holweni (injury) and Noko Matlou (Visa), joining Refiloe Jane and Bambabani Mbane who were not considered since they got injured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup last month.
Motlhalo is expected to play a crucial role when she teams up with her compatriots in Cincinnati where they will face the USA on 21 September 2023, with the second clash set for Sunday, 24 September in Chicago.
Glasgow City Women is currently third on the table on 19 points after seven rounds of matches played – just two point behind log leaders Rangers Women and one adrift of second-placed Celtic Women.
City have won six matches and drawn one – scoring an impressive 24 goals and conceding two.
By Matlhomola Morake
