Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou is set to graduate this month (27 May 2022) from UNISA with a Diploma in Sports Management.
The SD Eibar player has been balancing school work, national team and club commitments in her quest to educate herself.
“I started my studies in 2020 and it wasn’t easy trying to balance playing and studying because sometimes you have deadline and at the same time you cannot miss training or matches. But I used most of my free time to study because this was very important for me to get through as it has always been my wish to get education while also doing something I love – playing football. Also, studying Sports Management was easier for me as it is related to something I do daily and that is why I am comfortable and was able to see it through,” said Matlou from Spain where she is based.
The Limpopo-born player’s educational success follows on the heels of Regirl Ngobeni, goalkeeper for the University of the Western Cape (UWC), who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree.
Matlou and Ngobeni join a long list of Banyana Banyana players who have secured qualifications to sustain them post their playing days.
Here is a list of some of the current and former Banyana Banyana players who have completed their studies:
Rhoda Mulaudzi:
Diploma in Sports Management; Bachelor of Technology Degree in Business Management
Simphiwe Dludlu:
Bachelor in Sports Science; CAF A and B coaching licences; UEFA B Licence
Refiloe Jane:
BTech in Sports Management; Masters in Marketing
Leandra Smeda:
BTech in Food Technology
Kaylin Swart:
Business Degree in Sports Management
Andile Dlamini:
CAF Level C Coaching Licence; SAFA D Licence Coaching Badge
Lydia Monyepao:
BCom Honors in Accounting at (University KZN, RSA); Masters Sports Management – Loughborough (University, UK)
Janine van Wyk:
CAF B-Licence coaching qualification
Kholosa Biyana:
Honours in Biokinetics (UWC, RSA)
Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science (UKZN, RSA)
National Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography (DUT, RSA)
Jermaine Seoposenwe:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Major in Marketing (Samford University, USA)
Bambanani Mbane:
Diploma in Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Ode Fulutudilu:
Batchelor of Art in Sociology and Social Work (Lee University, USA)
Amanda Dlamini:
Diploma in Road Transport Management (Specializing in Freight) (UJ, RSA)
Nomvula Kgoale:
Degree in Geographical Information Sciences at (Louisiana Tech University, USA); Degree in General Studies from Tyler Junior College
“Education is very important, not just for us women footballers, but for all athletes because when your career comes to an end then you are certain you have something to fall back on. And I want to encourage all young players, get education when you still have the time then sit back and enjoy your football, don’t wait until you get to the end of your playing days – start early,” she added.
By Matlhomola Morake
