By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Scottish Women’s Premier League outfit Glasgow City have announced the signing of Banyana Banyana attacking midfielder Linda Motlhalo.
Motlhalo joins the Scottish side on a long term contract which would keep her at the club until the summer of 2025.
The 24-year-old joins the club from Swedish side Djurgårdens IF, where she found the back of the net on two occasions in 65 appearances across all competitions.
Speaking on her to Glasgow City, Motlhalo said: “I am excited to have signed with Glasgow City.”
“In South Africa, the development [of the women’s game] is not as fast as it is in Europe. Growing up, I used to play with boys before I could play with girls, but I love where it’s going. It’s really growing and that’s amazing to see,” the attacking midfielder said.
The 24-year-old Motlhalo began her professional career with JVW FC, the club founded by Banyana Banyana skipper, Janine van Wyk, who spent the 2020/21 season signed to Glasgow. A move to the United States with NWSL side Houston Dash transpired in 2018 before Motlhalo spent a year in China with Beijing Phoenix followed by the move to Sweden.
Motlhalo is in line to make her debut this weekend against defending champions and says she hopes to be an important member of the Glaswegian team.
“I’ve seen the team and they’ve been doing really well. I’m just here to add value and hopefully keep the team where it is, in terms of performance. I’m just hoping I’ll get along with my teammates and coaches and take it from there,” Motlhalo added.
Interim Head Coach Leanne Ross said on her first signing: “I am excited to announce the signing of Linda Motlhalo here at Glasgow City.
“Linda arrives with a wealth of experience on her cv from her time in some of the top leagues in the world and her impressive international career with South Africa.
“I have no doubt a player of Linda’s experience and technical ability will enhance our already talented squad, she is an exciting attacking talent who I am very much looking forward to working with.”
Motlhalo made her senior international debut at the age of 17 and was a member of the 2019 squad that played at the World Cup in France. While still relatively young, she is now a key figure in Desiree Ellis’ team and boasts a wealth of experience with 62 caps and 16 goals for her country.