Veteran Matlou mentors youngsters

Banyana Banyana’s versatile Noko Matlou (right) says the squad has just the right balance and is determined to do well at the 2018 Cosafa Women’s Challenge.

The 32-year old has been in the squad since 2006 and says youngsters come to her to seek advice.

“This squad is made up of a combination of experienced and young, hungry players,” Matlou told the official South African Football Association website.

“It is a nice mix because the young ones are driven to deliver for the senior national team at all times, while the experienced ones are there to guide them on how to do just that. I have had players like Thembi Kgatlana and Chantelle Esau coming to me for advice on where I think they need to improve regarding their game.”

“They know I have played for the national team up in the attacking third many times before and they saw it fit to ask me (on how she was able to be consistent whenever given the platform to play). This goes to show that there are no egos in this team – that is why I believe we will go far.”

With the Cosafa Cup starting on September 12 in Port Elizabeth, Banyana will be aiming to retain the title they won in Zimbabwe last year and the former Caf African Female Footballer-ofthe-Year admits it won’t be easy, but the whole team is eager to lift the trophy again.

“We will be playing in this year’s Cosafa tournament both as defending champions and hosts as well. We all know it is not going to be easy. However, we are driven to give our best in defending our title,” she added.

Banyana will be taking part in the tournament for the 11th time and have won it on four occasions – in 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2017. However, this is be the first time the country will host the competition.

Matlou and most of the Banyana squad arrived in PE on Monday to prepare for the competition, while US-based Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo and captain Janine van Wyk are expected to join the squad at a later stage.