Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou has returned to Spain and signed a one year deal with CP Cacereño Femenino, which plays in the second division, also known as Primera Federación.
The Limpopo-born player joins from SD Eibar which campaigns in the elite league, the Primera División, whom she helped gain promotion but her contract was not renewed.
CP Cacereño Femenino finished 11th in the 14-team league, and it is hoped the 38 year old will help her new employers finish higher up, or even gain promotion.
Matlou arrived in Spain on Wednesday morning (21 August) and already had her first training session later in the evening.
Matlou is the second-most capped Banyana Banyana player with 173 caps just behind the retired former South African Senior Women’s National team captain, Janine van Wyk, who is on 185.
At CP Cacereño Femenino, Matlou brings wealth of experienced as she has won the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with South Africa. She has also been to two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (France 2019 as well as Australia and New Zealand 202. The defender is one of the few players who have participated in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Under the guidance of head coach Ernesto Sánchez, Matlou could be in action as early 8 September 2024 when they kick-off the new season with a home game against Sporting de Huelva – a team they defeated 1-0 in a pre-season friendly two weeks ago.
This will be followed three days (11 September) later by a cup competition clash when they take on Albacete in the Copa de la Reina.
The long-serving defender was last in the Banyana Banyana squad in April when South Africa faced Nigeria and missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, with the Super Falcons progressing alongside Zambia.
Matlou was not called up for the two friendly matches against Senegal in June this year.
By Matlhomola Morake
