Banyana Banyana legend Noko Matlou bows out

South Africa women’s national team defender Noko Matlou has brought the curtain down on her illustrious 17-year international career after playing 174 games for Banyana Banyana.

The striker-turned-defender said her goodbyes to team-mates and coaching staff on Saturday when Banyana Banyana trounced Malawi 3-0 in a friendly at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus stadium, a befitting farewell for the legend.

Aged 39 but still looking strong, the defender told South African Football Association media that she felt it was the right time to depart the stage while she was still at her athletic best.

“I’m very happy at this moment and going forward I wish the team good luck and well for WAFCON and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers,” she said on an afternoon full of emotions.

The strong built centre back bows out from the international stage with a strong resume after becoming the first-ever South African to win the African Women’s Footballer of the Year gong for 2008.

Matlou received a standing ovation as coach Desiree Ellis replaced her in the second half, leaving the stage for the very last time in the gold and green as Banyana Banyana’s second-most capped all-time player behind former captain Janine van Wyk who made 185 appearances.

Another Banyana Banyana stalwart Nompumelelo Nyandeni will also bow out after the second friendly against Malawi on Tuesday.