SA to battle through the play-offs because they missed out on automatic qualification

Banyana Banyana midfield fulcrum Linda Motlhalo knows what to expect from Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Ecuador during the Fifa Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament in Morocco.

The play-offs take place from November 28 to December 5 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat and Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé with the final phase scheduled for February next year.

Banyana are at this stage because they missed out on automatic qualification for the showpiece in Brazil next year after failing to reach the semifinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).

Speaking to www.Fifa.com, Motlhalo said Asian sides Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan like to play with the ball and she expects Ecuador to be physical.

“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,” she said.

“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.

“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.”

Motlhalo, 28, is a veteran of two Fifa Women’s World Cups and wants to make it three in Brazil.

“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 are more advanced than us. Personally it’s a big one to be part of.

If we qualify, I will be going there at my peak and doing everything to enjoy my soccer and achieve something special.

—  Linda Motlhalo

“I think I am 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.

“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.”

Motlhalo said Banyana qualifying for the World Cup will be a huge boost for women’s football in the country.

“It’s very important for us to qualify for the World Cup. 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.”