Banyana star Linda Motlhalo: ‘Scotland is pretty cold but I feel warm’
Banyana Banyana star Linda Motlhalo says Scotland is ‘pretty cold’ but her Glasgow City FC team-mates’ reception makes her feel warm.
Linda Motlhalo spoke to Glasgow City FC’s media soon after her unveiling on Monday.
“I know it is pretty cold but I have got a warm welcome from the girls and the coach,” the Banyana midfielder said.
Linda Motlhalo has found a new home after leaving Swedish club, Djurgården IF, last November.
She said she was aware of the demands of playing for the Scottish giants.
WHAT GLASGOW CITY COACH TOLD LINDA MOTLHALO
Linda Motlhalo said Glasgow City FC interim coach Leanne Ross has explained to her about the challenges ahead.
“She has explained everything on and off the field stuff. I understand everything,” she said.
“I am just here to add value and hopefully, to keep the team where is at.”
Glasgow City have signed the winger on a two-year contract running until 2025.
Ross has since welcomed the 24-year-old to the fold.
“Linda arrives with a wealth of experience on her CV from her time in some of the top leagues in the world,” Ross said in a statement.
“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. I am very much looking forward to working with [her].”
Motlhalo also played in the United States and China before moving to Sweden.
HOW JANINE VAN WYK AND THEMBI KGATLANA HELPED LINDA MOTLHALO FIND HER FEET
She explained how her Banyana Banyana team-mates Janine van Wyk and Thembi Kgatlana helped her.
The trio travelled to America where Motlhalo signed for Houston Dash in 2018.
“The first time I went to USA, I was not alone. I was with Janine and Thembi,” she said.
“…Now, I have learnt to stand on my own in my career……she [Janine] has really helped me to grow as a player.”
Motlhalo also shared a bit of her career background in South Africa.
The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-winner said women’s football was then not well-established in Mzansi.
She, therefore, at times had to learn playing football with boys.
“I used to play football with boys before playing with girls,” she added.
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