Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou says the goals will come and she’s not in the least bit tempted to return to the role where she enjoyed a legendary spell.
The Eibar and Banyana star has been one of the standout performers of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with her partnership alongside Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Bambanani Mbane built a cornerstone to the dominant performances of the national team in recent times.
Her commanding displays make it easy to forget that she was once a feared striker who’s scored 68 goals for the senior national team but at the age of 36, she’s not turning back.
“Usually we go up with the corners, when it’s not your time to score it’s not your time, the goals will come and no I’m not thinking of changing now,” Matlou told iDiski Times with a bright smile.
Matlou went on to add that they were spurned in the quarter-final win against Tunisia to secure the 2023 FIFA World Cup spot for superstar forward Thembi Kgatlana who suffered a tournament-ending injury.
“It’s very special, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we gave our best, team effort, team spirit – I think that’s what keeps us going,” Matlou added.
“I think we also played for Thembi because of her injury, we came here to play and win for her.”
Banyana face up against Cosafa rivals Zambia in the last-four at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca this evening (19h00).
Story by Lorenz Kohler from Morocco.
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