Banyana Banyana veteran Noko Matlou has become the second player to reach a milestone of 150 caps for the South African Women’s national team.
The former Caf Women’s Player of the Year now joins teammate and captain Janine van Wyk as the second footballer in South Africa to reach 150 caps.
Noko will be recognised for her achievement by Sasol and the South African Football Association (Safa) ahead of Banyana’s farewell game against Jamaica at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 7 April.
‘Since I started playing football, I’ve always wondered what kind of player I would be, how many caps I would reach and how long I would play for the national team. I’m so grateful to be counted among the most capped footballers in South Africa. It hasn’t been an easy journey getting to where I am today, but it has definitely been rewarding,’ Noko said.
‘The Sasol League has definitely played a role in my football career. It’s refreshing to compete against different players and also keep check of your competitiveness. You also come across new players with new skills, we all learn from each other.’
Having spent 11 years in the Banyana setup, Noko revealed that reaching the Fifa Women’s World Cup was her best career highlight.
‘I think Banyana Banyana’s first participation at the 2019 Fifa Women’s Cup will open doors for South African players because it definitely adds value and experience to the team. There is a lot at stake, and I think it’s up to each player to make this opportunity count. Some of us and those who were there before us have been waiting for so long for this moment. I believe that this is what being Limitless is all about, never giving up on your goals. Our time has come, our time is now. We worked really hard to get to where we are,’ she added.
Noko Matlou’s achievements:
2008 Cosaf Champions, Player of the Tournament and joint Top Goalscorer
2008 Awcon 2nd place
2008 Safa Player of the Year
2008 Caf Women’s Player of the Year (First South African to win this award)
2010 Awcon 3rd place
2011 Sasol League Runner-ups
2011 Cosafa Runner-ups
2011 World Student Games in China
2012 London Olympics
2012 Awcon 2nd place
2012 SA Sportswoman of the Year
2013 Sasol League Runners-up and Top Goal-scorer
2014 World Student Games in Russia
2014 2016 Awcon 4th place
2016 Rio Olympics
2017 Cosafa Cup Champions
2018 Cyprus Cup 6th place,
2018 Cosafa Cup Champions, second highest capped football player in South Africa
Awcon 2nd place
