On IG Live on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, it was only fitting that we invited Banyana Banyana veteran and SD Eibar star, Noko Matlou on to our social platform.
Matlou recently announced her partnership with PUMA, joining fellow Banyana stars Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Rhoda Mulaudzi and Thalea Smidt who were recently recruited by the brand.
“I want to thank the people that have been assisting me behind the scenes to get me the sponsorship. When we approach sponsors they always look at things like age and young players. I applaud my team for getting me the sponsor. I want to thank PUMA for their support, considering that it’s a World Cup year it should help me.
“It makes things easier for me because I don’t have to worry or stress about anything.”
To add to her list of celebrations, Matlou assisted her Spanish side as they earned promotion to the top tier – the Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino.
“The celebrations are still on going. It has been a long journey coming here and playing at the highest level. We were relegated last season and we had to work hard to get to the premier league.”
“We’ve been celebrated by fans, directors from the team and everyone in Eibar. It’s been a great week for us.”
Matlou made her debut in 2006 for Banyana Banyana and hasn’t looked back since.
“I still remember that day because growing up I wanted to see myself playing with my role model Portia Modise and when I got a call up and Portia was there, I knew that I have arrived.”
It took a while for her to finally get her stint abroad after playing for a while in South Africa and even switching positions from striker to defender.
“It was a surprise. Before that I was supposed to go to China but because of COVID-19 I wasn’t able to go but Eibar finally gave me a chance and offered me an opportunity to play in Spain.”
Asked how we can improve to get to the standards of established leagues like the ones in Spain: “Every team here has good facilities, from gym to everything. That’s the difference with back home. You don’t struggle.”
Matlou was on the verge of quitting before heading to Spain.
“It’s not easy playing football. When we play we play for the love of soccer, there’s no income when I got the opportunity to play in Spain I knew my life would change for good.”
In under 100 days Banyana head to New Zealand and Australia for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With the likes of Matlou playing overseas, it should bode well for Desiree Ellis and her squad.
“Yeah I think our experience will add value to the team because of everything we have learned.”
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