South Africa international Linda Motlhalo is excited after sealing a move to play professional football abroad with Houston Dash in the United States of America.

 Motlhalo earned the contract after an impressive outing with South Africa at the women's football event of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

The 19 years old captained the Basetsana during the qualifiers of the 2018 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, though, they failed to qualify for the showpiece in France.

The midfielder who will have the opportunity to work with her former coach Vera Pauw at the US-based outfit, admits she did not see the move coming.

"To be honest I also didn’t see it coming (chuckles). I got a call from our former Banyana Banyana coach, Vera Pauw, I was at school at the time and she told me that she will be going to Houston Dash as a coach and would like me to be part of her team," said Motlhalo on SAFA.net

"I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was shocked and amazed at what she said because I know how hard it is to crack it overseas because you need to be an exceptional player."

Speaking on her transfer to the National Women's Soccer League, the former JVW FC sensational player said her compatriot Janine van Wyk has always encouraged her to be fearless.

"We have been talking every now and then. I even remember telling her that I want to go play at UWC this year and her response was that I need to definitely play football overseas this year.

"She has always encouraged me to be myself and never be afraid of facing new challenges because it will help me grow as a footballer."

She joins the American club after two seasons in the Sasol League with JVW FC, where she won the Gauteng League title in 2016 and finished second in the national tournament.

Motlhalo who has scored twice in 14 matches for Banyana Banyana, was previously at High Performance Centre in Pretoria.


(Photo: BackPagePix)

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