Today Linda Motlhalo and her Banyana Banyana teammates begin their WAFCON campaign against Tanzania looking to claim the African title for the first time since 2022 and the second time in her nation’s history.
With the tournament delayed it’s been a challenge our South African midfielder has had to wait for as she sits down to share her thoughts ahead of the tournament.
“We need to tell ourselves, mentally, that this is the moment and that every experience counts. There is pressure, but we have to enjoy it and let it come however it comes.”
Linda was a key part of the side that won the title in 2022, and this tournament is another opportunity for the player dubbed the Randfontein Ronaldinho by her many fans to show her talents on the biggest stage, but that’s not what drives her.
“Playing in WAFCON, it’s no longer about me, honestly. That’s what pushes me because I want to leave a legacy.
“I want it to be at a point where a young player comes in and thinks: ‘Linda Motlhalo has done this’ and that inspires them to go and do more. For me, it’s about working towards inspiring the upcoming generation. Having won the tournament before, and, hopefully, winning it again, I know it would help create more opportunities for girls.‘’
Linda has already experienced success in the tournament and shie is looking forward to seeing what this month’s tournament in Morocco will bring.
“The journey I have with WAFCON, I have experienced the ups and downs.
“I would say one thing that I have been is consistent. I have scored in every WAFCON, and for me, that shows consistency. It shows real hunger from me.”
But, it’s not just WAFCON glory Linda is chasing with the competition doubling up as qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and she takes the responsibility to help her side achieve both those goals seriously.
“What do I hope to get out of WAFCON? A sense of doing it. It’s hard to explain. But the aim is to win it and to get to the World Cup. We want to create those opportunities because you can’t take them for granted.”
We’ll be with you, every step of the way Linda!