New adventure for Banyana duo
US-BOUND: KGATLANA, MOTLHALO IN DASH TO HOUSTON
They will be among familiar faces in the Texan city.
Anew adventure awaits Banyana Banyana stars Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo after representing the senior national women’s team at the Cyprus Women’s Cup.
While the South African team made their way back into the country yesterday morning after finishing sixth at the competition. Kgatlana and Motlhalo got on a plane alongside Banyana skipper Janine van Wyk to the US where they will link up with their new club Houston Dash.
“It is really exciting, I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates. Luckily we have familiar faces there in Janine and coach Vera Pauw. I am certain they will make things easy for us in terms of adjusting to our new environment.
“I am looking forward to the new beginning and making more football memories,” said Kgatlana.
“This opportunity will be an eye-opener and I am certain one will get to grow much more as a footballer.”
Motlhalo, meanwhile, shared Kgatlana’s sentiments on her new venture and says the move to the US will help her to improve as a player.
“It is a step in the right direction and one can only grow and improve as a player. It is a chance for me to come up against some of the best players in the world and I will surely continue working hard so that I can achieve my dreams,” said Motlhalo.
One of Motlhalo’s dreams is to play for English club Arsenal Ladies. The 18-year-old midfielder reckons playing in the US National Women Soccer league will open many doors for her.
“Playing in the professional league is a big achievement for a female footballer coming from South Africa. I am proud and happy to be joining Houston Dash. I believe this move will help me in reaching my dreams, which is to one day play for Arsenal Ladies.
“But first things first, I have to settle in at Houston and play my best football.”