Dream for Motlhalo as she Dashes off to US

Banyana Banyana and Basetsana captain Linda Motlhalo (right) says her move to Houston Dash in the United States still feels like a dream to her.

The 19-year-old was officially announced as the new signing for the US club playing in their national women’s football league on Thursday, signing a one-year professional contract with the club after leaving JVW Girls, a side playing in the Sasol League in Gauteng.

“I am lost for words,” Motlhalo told Saturday Citizen. “I don’t know what to say, it just feels like a dream to me. I just want to make sure I continue working hard and also learn from everybody around me.”

Motlhalo, who made her senior national team debut at the age of 17 in 2016, revealed that former Banyana coach Vera Pauw, who is in charge at Dash, started speaking to her about the move to the US last year, but she never thought it would come so quickly.

“To be honest, I never really thought I would be playing professional women’s football at this age, but I guess dreams can come true. Coach Vera started talking to me last year and she has been keeping in touch with me and I am so happy I will be playing under her.”

Meanwhile, Pauw, who left her Banyana post following their elimination at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil spoke highly of the young midfielder and believes she is the future of women’s football.

“Linda is one of the most promising talents in women’s football at this moment. Her qualities complement the talent we have on our roster,” Pauw was quoted on the Houston Dash website.

“She will bring variety in our attack and that will bring the best out of the other players. She can balance our team. South African players are starting to get recognised. Linda deserves this next step in her career. She has proven herself at the Olympics in Rio on a global stage.”

At Dash, Motlhalo won’t only be reuniting with former coach Pauw, but she will also be teammates with Banyana Banyana skipper Janine van Wyk, who joined the club last year.