Matlou hungry for more titles

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

At the age of 32, one might think Banyana Banyana’s versatile Noko Matlou (above) is close to hanging up her boots.

But that’s not the case for the former Women’s African Footballer-of-the-Year, who still trains and runs like a teenager. Matlou has won many individual accolades in her career and has helped make Banyana one of the strongest teams on the continent.

The hunger is as strong as it was when she first donned the national team shirt in 2006. Her experience plays a vital role in the Banyana squad and she has vowed to continue helping and inspiring youngsters who are fighting to get into the Banyana set-up.

The team will defend their Cosafa Women’s Challenge trophy next month, with the competition running in Port Elizabeth from September 12-22.

Matlou is eager to see her side lifting the trophy for the seventh time.

“I am still strong and fit to play. I love the game and football makes me very happy. I just want to continue playing football, I don’t know when I will retire, but I will keep on playing as long as my body allows me,” she said.

“Every player wants to win at all times and to win trophies with their team. We are going to go all out to make sure we defend our trophy.”

Matlou believes playing the regional tournament on home soil is an extra advantage for the team, and says they will make sure the cup stays at home.

“Playing in front of our home crowd is always nice, you have the right backing and players want to make sure they deliver.”