Ellis: Motlhalo Is South Africa’s Most Underappreciated Player
Desiree Ellis believes star midfielder Linda Motlhalo is underappreciated in South Africa and does not receive the recognition she deserves.
Motlhalo delivered an outstanding performance as South Africa’s women’s team defeated Algeria’s women’s team 2–0 in their second friendly at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.
She thrilled the crowd with moments of skill, including a slick nutmeg on Melissa Bethi as the defender attempted to close her down.
A technically gifted player, Motlhalo is currently playing in Scotland for Glasgow City in her second spell, where she won the league title this past season.
Wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, she remains one of Banyana’s most influential players and was part of the squad that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
An all-round midfielder, she is capable of playing as a 6, 8, or 10. With her intelligence and composure on the ball, she is difficult to dispossess.
“I think Linda has shown how she has matured over the years,” said Ellis when asked about if Motlhalo is appreciated in the country.
“Playing as a 10, she shows the quality she has. Playing as a 6, she shows the same quality. I think you are right in saying she is not appreciated enough.
“I think when people look at her, they expect her to run around and sprint, but with the quality she has on the ball, she doesn’t need to do that.
“She doesn’t sprint past players, but it is very difficult to take the ball off her.
“She plays with purpose — drawing players in and then moving the ball forward. I think she deserved Player of the Match today because she was magnificent for us.
“People sometimes question why she can play as a 6, but Linda can control everything. She doesn’t give the ball away, she is patient in possession, and she can move the ball forward, sideways, or back when needed.
“I don’t think she gets the credit she deserves, but we know what she is capable of. We appreciate her more than anything.”
The 28-year-old is closing in on 100 caps for Banyana, with her appearance against Algeria in Umlazi on Friday marking her 97th for the national team, scoring 24 goals in the process.
The Randfontein-born midfielder has represented South Africa at the 2016 Olympics, four editions of WAFCON (2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024), and two FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2019 and 2023.
