Dash sign South African teenager Linda Motlhalo

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Dash coach Vera Pauw already is delivering on her promise to sign up-and-coming players the world may not know much about.

Pauw’s first international signing is 19-year old South African midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who played under Pauw with the South African women’s national team.

Motlhalo has 14 caps with South Africa and has scored two goals. Three of her national team appearances came in the 2016 Summer Olympics when she was 18 years old. She started two of South Africa’s three group stage games and subbed on in another.

Motlhalo has played for the club in South Africa created by current Dash player Janine Van Wyk.

In the days following her hire, Pauw described herself as a teacher who hopes to mold young players as they ascend to their potential.

“There is so much talent (in Africa and Asia),” Pauw said. “They can bring so much variety into the whole women’s game. They can really add something. If there is a certain position, and we have a European player who costs a lot and an African player who is not that expensive, but they are on the same level then I would rather give the opportunity to the player I know who can grow here and have a career in football.”