Cosafa
Matlou calls time on Banyana Banyana career
Noko Matlou has announced her retirement from international football and will play her last game for Banyana Banyana against Malawi this month.
The 39-year-old striker, who plays her club football for Cacereno Femenino in Spain, made her debut for South Africa all the way back in December 2006 and has amassed 175 caps.
Only Janine van Wyk (185) has made more appearances for her country than Matlou and she is also second in the all-time top goalscorers’ list behind Portia Modise (101).
The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner believes the time has come to give the next generation a chance to shine for Desiree Ellis’ side and will bow out on either April 5 or the 8th in the two friendlies in Johannesburg.
“I’m officially retiring from international football, the game against Malawi will be my last game for Banyana Banyana,” Matlou told SABC Sport in an exclusive interview.
“Reflecting on my journey, it has been a long one filled with ups and downs, but at the end of the day I reached my goal and I’m happy because I’m leaving the team in a good space.
“I think the team is in a good space and I think it’s time for me to give young players a chance, to show their talent just as I showed my talent since I made my debut.”
The Banyana Banyana veteran has expressed his gratitude to Ellis for giving her the opportunity to say goodbye to the fans with one last hurrah on home soil.
“I just want to say thanks to Coach Des for giving me this last opportunity to represent my country for the last time, with the green and gold jersey,” she added.
“It means a lot to me to represent my country for the last time, especially since we’re playing at home so that people, my fans and everyone, can honour me for the last time in a green and gold jersey.”
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