Banyana Banyana’s Linda Motlhalo has completed her move from Scotland to the USA – making a return to the country after she was on the books of Houston Dash, her first professional contract in 2018.
The midfielder maestro has signed a two-year contract, with an option for a third, with Racing Louisville, Thembi Kgatlana’s former team before the latter moved to Mexico where she has found a home with reigning league champions in Liga MX Femenil, Tigres UANL.
The Gauteng-born player has teamed up with her new employers for an undisclosed fee – and will join them later this month after playing her last match for current Scottish league champions, Glasgow City.
“I am very excited for the new journey and new challenge that I am about to embark on,” said Motlhalo. To be playing in the NWSL for Racing Louisville FC, is an honour, and I will give absolutely everything I have to help this team win. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to the season.”
Formerly with the South African U17 and U20 Women’s National Teams, Motlhalo has become a vital cog in Desiree Ellis’ Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad, where she has scored 20 goals in 72 appearances.
She is one of the few players who left her country of birth before the start of the South African Women’s National League, which has come to be known as the Hollywoodbets Super League. At the time she was playing for JVW in the Sasol League.
After a short stint with Houston Dash in USA – under the tutelage of former Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Vera Pauw – Motlhalo found herself in China running out for Beijing BG Phoenix.
A season later she went to Sweden, appearing in the colours of Djurgardens where she stayed from 2020 to 2023, before signing for Glasgow City last season.
Her latest move comes hot on the heels of Kgatlana signing for Tigres UANL, while the pair of Hilda Magaia and Sinoxolo Cesane were scooped by Mazatlán FC Femenil – the trio is in Mexico, where they joined South African forward Jermaine Seoposenwe who is on the books of FC Monterrey.
Motlhalo will join Racing Louisville ahead of the upcoming 2024 campaign.
“Linda is a great addition to our club, both as a player and person,” said Ryan Dell, Racing Louisville’s general manager. “We are really excited to sign a world-class talent who can create and score goals. She already has immense international experience at just 25, and her previous time in the NWSL will help her adjust quickly to our team. We’re looking forward to her joining the group and hitting the ground running.”
The South African has played in two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments – France 2019 and Australia and New Zealand 2023 – in the latter competition, she found the back of the net once in four starts, helping South Africa rewrite the history books by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time ever.
She was a member of the Banyana Banyana squad at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and was very instrumental in helping South Africa to their maiden CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco two years ago, with two goals in six matches.
At Glasgow City, she was on the scoresheet four times, with seven assists in 32 games. And she will be remembered for the pass that she made for the Scottish outfit to lift the 2023 League title.
The midfielder caught the attention of Racing’s coaching staff in friendlies against the USA in Cincinnati and in Chicago in September last year.
“Her deception and creativity stood out early, and it was evident quickly that we wanted her to be a part of our squad,” Racing coach Bev Yanez said. “She is exciting to watch and dangerous on the ball, especially with her awareness of how to expose space quickly.”
Linda Motlhalo said on her time at Glasgow City:
“Glasgow City is not just a team, but it’s a family. The first day I arrived here I instantly felt at home. Everyone cares about you as a player but also as a human being. I cannot thank this club enough for everything it has done for me. The opportunities, the experiences, the highs and even the lows. All of these experiences have been great development for me. I am honoured to have represented this football club. I would like to say thanks to all players, coaching staff, board and all other members of staff that have played a role in my time at the club.
Leanne Ross – Glasgow City Head Coach – on Linda Motlhalo’s departure:
“Linda made a huge impact on and off the pitch during her short time here at Glasgow City. Her infectious personality saw her become a popular figure in the dressing room and her performances on the pitch, including that assist for the title winning goal last season, were a joy to watch. For someone so talented, a more humble and hardworking professional you will struggle to find. Although it’s sad to see her move on, we are grateful to have played a part in Linda’s development and wish her nothing but success in the next stage in her career.”
By Matlhomola Morake
