Motlhalo delighted with dream debut in Sweden

24 February 2020 – Banyana Banyana forward Linda Motlhalo is delighted with the two goals she scored on debut for her new side Djugarden IF playing in the Swedish Women’s Cup on Saturday (22 February 2020).

Motlhalo came on as a substitute in the 13th minute to help in the come-from-behind 4-2 victory over AIK.

“As I was sitting on the bench I could see their weaknesses because they are ball orientated, and I knew that when I came on I had isolate myself from their defence – and that is what I did and I managed to score. I am very happy with the win even though it was not an easy one. The first few minutes our timing to defend was off, but as time went on we were able to press as a team and play as a team – that was one of the challenges, but then again it was also our first official match together and we needed to adjust,” said Motlhalo speaking to the club’s website.

The former South African U-20 Women’s National Team captain recently moved to Sweden after leaving Beijing Phoenix in China.

“I am so happy I got this chance even though it is very cold here, but I believe as time goes on I will adjust to the weather and atmosphere. I arrived in the middle of the Swedish winter (when temperatures hit -2 degrees celsius) but today is not so cold, even though I hear it can get very cold. I don’t like that kind of weather but I will have to adjust,” added Motlhalo.

“I had to wait for four weeks to get my resident card and now that I am finally here I am happy – it is really happening. All I know is that Stockholm can be cold and Djugarden is a very big club and I am looking forward to making new goals.”

The South African international entered the scene in the first half after an injury to Maria Hovmark and she scored goals number two and three in the 63rd and 71st minutes respectively for her side.

The victory sees Djurgarden on top of Group C with three points after the first game despite tied with Ekilistuna United, who defeated Umea 1-0.

  • Djurgårdens IF (formerly Djurgården/Älvsjö (2003–2007)) is a football club from Stockholm, the capital of Sweden
  • The team play their home games at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium
  • The team colours are white and blue
  • The club is affiliated to the Stockholms Fotbollförbund.

Honours:

League

Cup

  • Svenska Cupen:
    • Champions (3): 1999–2000, 2004, 2005
    • Runner-up (3): 1998–99, 2001, 2010

European