Exclusive: How Noko Matlou Transformed from Africa’s Top Striker to Defensive Leader

From being Africa’s top striker to becoming Banyana Banyana’s rock at the back, Noko Matlou has had a stellar career that etches her name in history books. Hanging up her boots just weeks ago in international football, Matlou’s story is not just one about the game, but it’s also about resilience, reinvention and legacy.

She may have “done it all”, but Matlou still carries herself with quiet humility and appreciation for how far her talent has taken her. The South African’s journey is not just defined by the accolades she’s earned, but it is shaped by how she has continued to adapt with the changes. Even when the game asked her to become someone entirely new.

From Goal-Scorer to Guardian

With 66 goals to her name, Noko Matlou stands as the second-highest scorer in Banyana Banyana’s history. In 2008, she became the first South African to be crowned African Women’s Footballer of the Year – a landmark moment in the country’s footballing story.

Yet, despite making the transition from prolific striker to dependable centre-back look seamless on the pitch, Matlou admits that the adjustment was anything but easy.

“It wasn’t easy, especially coming from playing as a striker. When I started playing for Banyana Banyana I was banging goals. I think I’m still the second-highest top goal scorer in Banyana Banyana. It really wasn’t easy at first to switch from striker to a defender,” the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations winner told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“But being with the players like Janine van Wyk as an experienced player, as the captain, I think it helped me a lot. Also, the former coach Vera Pauw."

“Before she gave me the position, she sat down with me and explained what is required. What she needs from me, and I did what she wanted. It took me out of my comfort zone to be where I am today.”

As she detailed how she made the switch from attack to defence, the 39-year-old spoke with pride as she reflected on her star-studded career in women’s football and highlighted how that particular switch got her scouted to play in Europe.

A Legacy of Unity, Visibility and Voice

As the topic shifted from her playing career to her influence on South African football, Matlou leaned into the moment with the calm confidence of someone who has long understood the weight of her presence.

For over a decade, she carried the hopes of South African women’s football – not just by winning matches, but by opening doors. Her legacy, she says, is not only about the medals or milestones, but about the message it sends to the next generation. 

Touching on the importance of playing for South Africa, the Club Polideportivo Cacereño defender noted that there shouldn’t be a divide between the women and men’s teams, and that everyone involved is representing the country.

“I think my story will mean a lot to young players that are up and coming. I’m a role model to a lot of players, and they follow my journey,” Matlou stated proudly. 

She also took a moment to thank South African sports journalists for helping raise the profile of the women’s game, and for making sure Banyana Banyana’s story reached the world. 

“Not for me only, but also to be where I am, it’s also because of the journalists who raised awareness by talking about women’s football. Hearing our grievances, when things were not okay in our team,” she added.

“I’m clapping for you guys [journalists] to always be there for women’s football.”

Now in the twilight of a career that reshaped what was possible for South African women in sport, Noko Matlou isn’t chasing applause but is instead anchoring her legacy. 

From a lethal forward to a trusted leader at the back, her story is one of constant reinvention, quiet resilience, and unwavering purpose. 

For a generation of young girls watching Banyana Banyana rise, Matlou stands not just as a footballer, but as proof that staying the course, even when it bends, can be revolutionary.