Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou finds a new home in Spain

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 11^th 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 this morning (Wednesday, 21 August) and will have her first training session tonight.

“After leaving SD Eibar I had to weigh my options and think carefully about what I want to do. So, when this offer came, I didn’t hesitate. This is a second division team but very ambitious as they are looking to get promoted and I am glad I will part of the project. I’m very excited because I have been waiting for this day to join a team, now it has happened,” said Matlou from her new base in Caceres, Spain.

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Matlou, who 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.