Motlhalo: World Cup qualification vital for Banyana Banyana

Linda Motlhalo says it is “very important” for Banyana Banyana to qualify for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with South Africa facing Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Ecuador in the play-off tournament in Morocco.

The play-offs will be held from 28 November to 5 December at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat and Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale. The final phase is scheduled for February next year.

South Africa must go through the play-offs after failing to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), which meant they missed out on automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Motlhalo, who has faced Asian opposition on several occasions, expects Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan to pose a particular challenge because of their possession-based approach. She believes Ecuador are more likely to test Banyana physically.

“We have played against Asian teams so many times that we know what style of play to expect. 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 exactly how we play,” Motlhalo told Fifa.com.

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

She added: “With Ecuador, it could be the opposite of a physical test. But we have played against the likes of Ivory Coast and Nigeria, who are quite physical. We will just need to use our brains more and if we do, I think we will be fine.”

The 28-year-old midfielder has already appeared at two Fifa Women’s World Cups and is determined to make a third tournament in Brazil.

Motlhalo was part of the South Africa squad at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and is excited by the prospect of returning for a World Cup.

“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,” she said.

Motlhalo featured at the 2019 World Cup but was limited by injury, while she played more minutes at the 2023 tournament. She believes she would arrive in Brazil at the peak of her career if South Africa qualify.

“I think I am growing as a player and my understanding of the game is getting better and better,” she said. “This time I am hoping it will be even better. If we qualify, I will be going there at my peak and doing everything to enjoy my soccer and achieve something special.”

She also said qualification would help maintain the momentum behind women’s football in South Africa.

“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.”