Linda Motlhalo was one of the stars for Banyana Banyana, helping the African giants reach the Round of 16 at the Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
But who is she? This article introduces you to her salary, lifestyle, stats, and more.
Get insights into the successful South African professional soccer player's career, her current team, and her performance on the field.
Linda Motlhalo biography
Linda Maserame Motlhalo, popularly known as the ‘Randfontein Ronaldinho,' is a South African professional soccer player born on July 1, 1998.
She has made a name for herself as a talented winger, showcasing her skills both at the club level and on the international stage.
| Full name | Linda Maserame Motlhalo |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1 July 1998 (age 25) |
| Place of birth | Brandvlei, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Height | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) |
| Position(s) | Winger |
| Current team | Glasgow City |
| Number | 10 |
Linda Motlhalo early life
Linda Motlhalo was born in Badirile, Brandvlei, in Randfontein, Gauteng.
She attended TuksSport High School, where her talent began to flourish, and during that time, she was part of the South African High Performance Centre in Pretoria.
The High Performance Centre played a crucial role in shaping her skills and paving the way for her future career in football.
Linda Motlhalo club career
Houston Dash
In 2018, Linda Motlhalo signed with the Houston Dash, a team competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States.
Her signing came under the guidance of Dash head coach Vera Pauw, who previously coached the South African women's national team.
During her time with the Dash, Motlhalo made 21 appearances and scored one goal, showcasing her talent and adaptability on the field.
Beijing BG Phoenix F.C.
In 2019, Linda Motlhalo embarked on a new adventure and joined Beijing BG Phoenix F.C. in the Chinese Women's Super League.
Her move to China reunited her with her former Houston Dash teammate, Thembi Kgatlana.
Motlhalo's versatility allowed her to play in a deeper central midfield role, where she became an essential player for the team.
She helped guide Beijing to a semifinal finish in the Chinese Women's Championship, leaving a positive impact during her time in China.
Djurgårdens IF
In 2020, Linda Motlhalo made another significant move in her career and joined Swedish side Djurgårdens IF on a two-year deal.
Her debut for the team in February 2020 was nothing short of impressive, as she scored two goals as a substitute in a Stockholm derby victory over AIK.
Her performances throughout the 2020 season earned her the title of Newcomer of the Year, as voted by her Djurgården teammates.
This recognition further solidified her place as a valuable asset to the team, leading to her signing a new two-year contract in January 2022.
Glasgow City
In January 2023, Linda Motlhalo joined SWPL 1 club Glasgow City on a permanent deal.
The Scottish club welcomed her with open arms, and her contributions to the team were evident when she provided a crucial assist in the 92nd minute of a match against Rangers, leading Glasgow City to victory and securing the SWPL title.
She was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match accolade for her outstanding performance.
Linda Motlhalo international career
Linda Motlhalo's talents were not limited to club football; she also made significant strides on the international stage, representing the South Africa women's national team, fondly known as Banyana Banyana.
She began her international journey by playing for the South African women's national under-20 football team as a forward, participating in the 2015 African U-20 Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
Her dedication and performances earned her a call-up to the senior squad in October 2015, where she made her debut against Cameroon in 2016, scoring a goal in the 2–2 draw.
Motlhalo's football journey saw her attend the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and represent her country in the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.
At the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana, Linda Motlhalo was a standout player for South Africa, starting all five games and scoring one goal.
Her exceptional performances earned her the Player of the Match award during the semifinal encounter with Mali.
She also had the honor of representing South Africa at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, despite battling an injury during the tournament.
In September 2021, Motlhalo made a significant impact by scoring a crucial goal in a 4–2 victory over Nigeria, leading Banyana Banyana to win the inaugural Aisha Buhari Cup in Lagos.
She further solidified her place as a key player for the national team by being the top scorer in qualification for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations.
In the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Linda Motlhalo showcased her prowess on the field by delivering a crucial goal for the South African squad during the intense group stage match against Argentina.
This thrilling encounter ultimately concluded in a hard-fought 2-2 draw, a result that played a pivotal role in securing South Africa's advancement to the knockout stage of the tournament.
The team's journey, however, faced an unfortunate halt in the round of 16 when they encountered the formidable Swedish side, which proved to be a formidable opponent, ultimately bringing an end to South Africa's remarkable run in the competition.
Nonetheless, Motlhalo's standout performance and goal will forever be etched in the memories of fans, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the South African team on the global stage.
Linda Motlhalo couldn’t hold it in after scoring South Africa’s opener vs. Argentina 🥺 pic.twitter.com/HUcu62FTtU
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 28, 2023
Linda Motlhalo honors and stats
Throughout her career, Linda Motlhalo has achieved numerous accolades and honors. At the club level, she contributed to Glasgow City winning the Scottish Women's Premier League in the 2022-23 season.
On the international stage, she played a vital role in South Africa's triumph at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in 2022, and she was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the 2018 edition.
Additionally, she was instrumental in securing victory at the Aisha Buhari Cup in 2021.
Individually, Motlhalo's performances have been recognized, with her being named the COSAFA Women's Championship top-scorer in 2018 and Djurgårdens IF Newcomer of the Year in 2020.
- Glasgow City: Scottish Women's Premier League (2022–23) winner.
- International: Africa Women Cup of Nations (2022) winner, runner-up (2018); Aisha Buhari Cup (2021) winner.
- Individual: COSAFA Women's Championship top-scorer (2018), Djurgårdens IF Newcomer of the Year (2020).
Linda Motlhalo personal life
Despite her successful career, Linda Motlhalo has managed to keep her personal life private.
As of now, she is reported to be single and not dating anyone.
There is no information available about her past relationships or any previous engagements. She also does not have any children.
Linda Motlhalo net worth
As of 2023, Linda Motlhalo's net worth has been steadily growing due to her success as a professional football player.
Her income primarily comes from her football career, and her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
Linda Motlhalo's journey from her early days in South Africa to becoming a prominent figure in women's football demonstrates her dedication, talent, and commitment to the sport.
As she continues to excel at Glasgow City and represent her country, she remains an inspiration to aspiring young footballers in South Africa and beyond.
Linda Motlhalo family
Football runs in her family, as her father, Johannes Motlhalo, had aspirations of becoming a professional player, and her dad's uncle, Joseph “Banks” Setlhodi, even played as a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs F.C. between 1970 and 1985.
Setlhodi’s skills between the goalposts were legendary, earning him a place in the hearts of soccer fans across the country.
Setlhodi's impact on the sport did not end on the field; he also became a coach, passing on his knowledge and passion to future generations of aspiring soccer players.
Linda's connection to such a revered figure in South African soccer history only serves to further fuel her determination to continue the family legacy and make her own mark in the sport.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 weeks ago
