Banyana Banyana stalwart Noko Matlou recently extended her contract with Spanish Giants SD Eibar for another season and the 36-year-old is already looking forward to her next challenge in Morocco.
The ongoing Africa Women’s Cup of Nations could be her last major tournament and she would like nothing more than to win that gold medal.
Banyana Banyana are in Group C alongside the defending champions Nigeria, Burundi and Botswana.
Speaking with Oarabile Diphoko, Matlou talks about her stay in Spain and the 2022 AWCON tournament.
Firstly, congratulations on your contract extension with SD Eibar for yet another season. What is it about this team that motivated you to sign on the dotted line?
Thank you so much, hahaha my performance and hard work are the only thing that makes the team keep on signing me!
With AWCON currently on going in Morocco, how have preparations been?
The preparations have been going very well because we know what task is ahead of us and the team has settled well in Morocco.
How does it feel to represent your country at one of the biggest football stages on the continent?
It feels great and I am honoured to represent my country on this big stage like AWCON because it’s every player’s dream.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your football career and what is your biggest achievement you’ve accomplished so far?
There are lot of challenges – first one that women can’t player soccer and playing without soccer boots (the right equipment)
My highlights – I think being crowned African Woman Footballer of the Year and getting contracts overseas.
What else are you still hoping to achieve in your professional career?
The main thing now is to win AWCON and the team must qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received that you still use to date?
Nobody else in the world can inspire you the way you can inspire yourself. Surprise yourself with the things you can do.
Do you have plans for retirement any time soon? If so, what are you planning on doing once you’re playing days are behind you?
I still have a season with Eibar I will see after that. My plan is to come back and plough back into the community.
Photo 1 Caption: Banyana Banyana stalwart Noko Matlou is showing no signs of stopping any time soon as she looks forward to her challenge in Morocco after earning a contract extension with Spanish Giants SD Eibar. Photo: Noko Matlou (Instagram)
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