Menzi Magubane
Once again Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou’s star shone brightly as she scored two goals in their 3-1 victory over stubborn Zambia on Saturday.
The match, an international friendly at Milpark’s Bidvest Stadium, forms part of Banyana’s preparations for the 2022 CAF Africa Women’s Nations Cup qualifiers set for later this year. The actual tournament will be hosted by Morocco.
Banyana star striker Thembi Kgatlana scored the other goal to help them come from a goal down to win.
Matlou, Kgatlana and striker Amanda Mthandi are the only three overseas based players that coach Desiree Ellis could manage to get for the two friendlies that she had lined up.
On Tuesday at 3pm, Banyana will face Botswana in their final match to be played at the same venue.
Matlou advised locally-based players to never give up on their dreams.
“Never stop believing in yourselves. I know it’s not easy,” she said.
Matlou became the first South African player to be named African Women’s Footballer of the year in 2008. She went overseas to join SD Eibar in Spain last October.
“Last year, I was supposed to go to China but due to coronavirus that move didn’t go through. But thanks to Thembi who recommended me I’m living my dream at 35 years of age,” she said.
The Limpopo-born started her career as a striker. Her award came after scoring six goals at the African Women’s Championship.
The veteran defenders, together with Kgatlana, are expected to continue showing young stars how things are done on Tuesday.
Picture source: @BanyanaBanyana
