Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou’s SD Eibar Women is back in big league football in Spain after gaining promotion on the last day of the 2022/23 season on Sunday (14 May 2023).
Going into the final match on 52 points, level with the third-placed Deportivo La Coruna, SD Eibar had to match their (Deportivo) results for any chance of success.
They staved off a strong challenge of Granada to finish the game goalless and secure automatic promotion into the La Liga Premier Liga – Deportivo was also held by Leandra Smeda’s Dux Logrono in a 0-0 stalemate.
In the end, Barcelona B won the league title (but cannot get promoted as they have a team in the elite league), SD Eibar is second.
The quartet of Deportivo, Osasuna, Granada and Cacereno – who finished third, fourth, fifth and six respectively – will go into the play-offs to battle it out for one spot, joining SD Eibar in the top league.
The pair of Cordoba and CD Juan Grande have been relegated.
In 30 games, SD Eibar won 13, drew 14 and lost only three to complete the season on 53 points, level with Deportivo who have an inferior goal difference.
“Yes, we did it!! I am so happy and emotional at the same time. It’s been a long and difficult season but we believed and we got the desired outcome. This means a lot to and the team –this time last year it was just tears of heartbreak and sadness all round. Fast-forward a year later, it’s tears of joy only,” said Matlou after their match.
The 2008 CAF Woman of the Year – the first South African to claim the award – had signed a one-year contract with SD Eibar and vowed to help the side return to big leagues football.
“Yes, I had signed one year with no option, but to be honest, right now that is the least of my worries. I am just happy and want to celebrate with my team. My agent will deal with that,” added the Limpopo-born defender.
She was a pivotal cog in the machinery of SD Eibar, missing only two games – through injury – in the 30 allocated for the season. Matlou also played in all the pre-season friendlies.
The next challenge for the defender is the anxious wait for the naming of the final squad to play in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana is in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina and only 23 players will be represent South Africa at the global women’s football showpiece taking place between 20 July and 20 August.
By Matlhomola Morake
