Noko Matlou: Professionalising women’s football will benefit Banyana

The Hollywoodbets Super League is currently semi-professional, with some players juggling their participation with full-time jobs. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Matlou, who started playing professional club football at 35 in Spain, would love to see the local women’s game gaining pro status so that players who play locally can get properly incentivised.

"What I would like to see improving in South African women's football is to get the league professionalised because we are still semi-professional, but we are doing well as a national team," said Matlou.

"It showed when we [recently] qualified for the Women's AFCON, we won the Women's AFCON, we've qualified for two Olympic Games, and we've won COSAFA many times.

"So I think it's time [to professionalise the league], so that players can get incentives."

Matlou also detailed how players who study or work full-time have to do extra training to keep up with the demands of being in the national team.

"By playing football, some players sacrifice a lot – they go to school and go to training; some have to sacrifice other things, and come back late after training, and do extra training because the national team level is demanding," she added.

"So, if they can professionalise the women's league in South Africa, it will be huge and only benefit the players and the national team."

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