Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.17 2022-23

Glasgow City are delighted to announce the signing of South African international Linda
Motlhalo.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder joins on a long term deal until the summer of 2025
from Swedish side Djurgårdens IF.
Motlhalo started her career in her native South Africa before moving to NWSL side
Houston Dash in 2018. After a season in the States the midfielder spent a year with Beijing
Phoenix before transferring to Djurgårdens IF in 2020.
A technically gifted player, Motlhalo made her first senior international appearance at
only 17 years old and scored on her debut. She is now a key figure in Desiree Ellis'
international side and already has an impressive 62 caps and 16 goals for her country.
Already part of the South African squad at France 2019, Motlhalo is expected to
compete at a World Cup Finals once again after helping her country win the Africa Cup of
Nations just a few months ago, thereby securing their place in Australia/New Zealand this
summer.
Linda Motlhalo said on joining Glasgow City: "I am excited to have signed with Glasgow
City. I am looking forward to new experiences and new adventures here and I look to develop
further. I can’t wait to get this chapter started."
Leanne Ross commented on her first signing since becoming Interim Head Coach: "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 is eligible to be in the squad to face Rangers in Sunday’s SWPL meeting at
Broadwood Stadium.

Hashtag United are having a great season in FAWNL Division One South East and on
Sunday, they will take a break from their title push to test themselves against Barclays
Championship side Coventry United.
“We're buzzing to have got this far, we're calling it the biggest game in our very short
history,” Neil Smythe told Women’s Soccer Scene. “The team have been on fire this season;
we were all devastated to miss out on promotion by a single point last season and they're
playing with a point to prove.
“It's still early in terms of the league, with title rivals still to play, but we're unbeaten with
a very healthy goal difference. Plenty are chipping in with goals, but Sammy (Rowland) is
bagging the headlines and currently leads the way in the Golden Ball for the FA Cup so she'll
be hoping to add to that tally this weekend.
“As for the game, we all know what a tough task it's going to be. Coventry United have
had their problems this season but with an influx of new players they're turning things
round, and we definitely go in as underdogs, which is a rarity for us this season. But we've
got talent and heart, and we know it's the FA Cup so anything can happen in theory!
“We'll be streaming the game thanks to Coventry United, and we're hoping we can shine
a light on football at our level and give a good account of ourselves.”
“We are all buzzing for the game, it’s an exciting opportunity to play against a
Championship team and test ourselves,” added captain Grace Gillard.
“Being the underdog I think adds a level of excitement and reduces the pressure on us,
so we can just go play our game and see if the magic of the FA cup continues!”
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk