Linda Motlhalo rallies South Africa for tough FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off test as Brazil 2027 dream beckons

South Africa midfielder Linda Motlhalo believes Banyana Banyana must rise to the challenge of a demanding FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off campaign as they pursue qualification for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

The Glasgow City midfielder has warned that South Africa cannot afford mistakes in a competition that offers only three tickets to the global showpiece, with ten nations competing for qualification through the play-off tournament.

Banyana Banyana have been drawn against Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Uzbekistan in the preliminary stage, where only the top two teams will advance to the final phase.

With their hopes of securing automatic qualification having disappeared following their quarter-final elimination at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the South Africans face another significant hurdle in their bid to return to the world’s biggest stage.

Motlhalo, who featured prominently in South Africa’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, believes the upcoming assignment is crucial not only for the national team but also for the future of women’s football in the country.

“It’s very important for us to qualify for the World Cup,” she told FIFA.

“We need to have a brighter picture for South African players and younger kids coming through. At the last World Cup it was amazing how much coverage we had, and to see women’s football moving in such a positive direction. We need to keep that going.”

Motlhalo assesses South Africa’s play-off opponents

South Africa’s route to Brazil will require them to navigate opponents with contrasting styles, but Motlhalo is confident that her team possesses the tactical qualities to overcome the challenge.

The midfielder expects Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan to present a familiar test, pointing to their preference for possession-based football and constant movement.

She believes Banyana Banyana can use their pace and technical ability to gain an advantage against the Asian representatives.

“We’ve played against Asian teams so many times that we know what style of play to expect,” she explained.

“It’s always a fascinating challenge because they tend to be ball-playing teams – they want the ball at their feet the whole time and there’s constant movement. And that’s how exactly how we play.”

Motlhalo added that South Africa must dominate possession and create opportunities rather than allow their opponents to dictate proceedings.

“Asian teams are not really that physical, which is a plus for us because, as South Africans, we’re not that strong either, but we use our brains and our speed. The biggest thing will be making sure we’re the ones who’re on the ball more and creating the chances.”

Ecuador, however, could offer a different physical challenge, although Motlhalo believes her side have sufficient experience to cope with that approach.

“With Ecuador, it could be the opposite of that (a physical test). But we’ve played against the likes of Ivory Coast and Nigeria, who are quite physical. We’ll just need to use our brains more and, if we do, I think we’ll be fine.”

Nigeria victory restores belief after difficult period

South Africa’s journey towards the play-offs has been far from straightforward, despite the remarkable progress they made between 2018 and 2023.

Their first-ever Women’s World Cup qualification in 2018 marked the beginning of an impressive period, which culminated in a maiden victory at the 2023 global finals and progression to the knockout stage.

Between those achievements, Banyana Banyana also claimed their first WAFCON title, establishing themselves among Africa’s leading women’s football nations.

However, maintaining that momentum proved difficult.

Changes within the squad, limited international fixtures and a period of rebuilding disrupted their progress. They subsequently surrendered their continental crown following a semi-final defeat to Nigeria in 2024 before suffering another disappointment at the 2025 tournament.

Their quarter-final exit ended hopes of automatic qualification for Brazil 2027, leaving them needing to overcome Nigeria in a decisive play-in encounter for a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.

Motlhalo acknowledged the significance of the meeting against the Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football over the years.

“Every time we play Nigeria it’s a final,” she said.

“But this was so, so big. Fortunately we had the confidence, and the way we approached that game worked really well for us. I’m so happy we were able to win that one.”

The midfielder believes that victory provided an important confidence boost ahead of the next stage of their qualification campaign.

South Africa have also strengthened their preparations with convincing home-and-away victories over Madagascar in October during Olympic qualifying.

Linda Motlhalo targets career-defining World Cup in Brazil

Having featured at the 2019 and 2023 Women’s World Cups, Motlhalo is determined to make another appearance at the tournament, particularly with the 2027 edition presenting an opportunity to compete at a different stage of her career.

The 28-year-old believes her understanding of the game has continued to improve and hopes to translate that development into a memorable campaign in Brazil.

She also has personal reasons for wanting to return to the South American country, having represented South Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“I was in Brazil with Banyana Banyana for the Olympics in 2016, and it’s an amazing country. Being there for the World Cup, in the country where football was born really, would be incredible. And I always feel we in South Africa have a similar style to Brazil, even if they’re more advanced than us.”

Motlhalo also reflected on her previous World Cup experiences, revealing that injury affected her involvement in the 2019 tournament before she enjoyed more playing time four years later.

“Personally, it’s a big one to be part of. I think I’m growing as a player, and my understanding of the game is getting better and better. At my first World Cup in 2019, I was unfortunate with injury and it didn’t go as I hoped. Then in 2023 I really got to play more minutes and it was a great experience.”

She added: “This time I’m hoping it will be even better. If we qualify, I’ll be going there at my peak and doing everything to enjoy my soccer and achieve something special.”