Latest news with #NokoMatlou
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
City of Ekurhuleni runners celebrate medal wins at Comrades Marathon
Members of the City of Ekurhuleni Athletic Club did their city and club exceptionally proud at the Comrades Marathon. This year's race, held on June 8, covered 89.98km, and was a down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The club was represented by 36 athletes at the 98th edition of the marathon. They were accompanied by a support team, who ensured the runners had a positive and memorable race day experience, and Ward 76 Clr Thulani Simelane. Twenty-six athletes completed the race, with five not finishing and five recorded as not started. The club's athletes bagged 26 medals – one silver, seven Bill Rowan (bronze centre with silver ring), two Robert Mtshali (titanium), eight bronze, and eight Vic Clapham (copper). The athletes and their times were: • Kamogelo Phogole: 7:14:39 (personal best and club record) • Mokgalong Nchabeleng: 7:55:50 (personal best) • Hoffney Tjiane: 8:11:57 • Humbulani Makhari: 8:16:06 (personal best) • Tshepo Ntswane: 8:46:27 • Kwena Mangala: 8:50:50 • Lucky Bosogo: 8:54:55 • Noko Matlou: 8:58:05 (personal best) • Eric Simina: 9:05:40 (personal best) • Leshisa Dhlamini: 9:53:51 • Sepitle Leshilo: 10:19:39 • Bonginkosi Mabala: 10:23:10 • Thato Mamabolo: 10:23:58 • Sibusiso Langa: 10:25:29 • Patrick Sentsho: 10:32:42 • Moemisi Tabane: 10:32:42 • Mamapote Mohube: 10:38:44 • Special Mhlanga: 10:41:30 • Menelisi Ndlamlenze: 11:01:27 • Kedibone Msiza: 11:26:30 • Amelia Masola: 11:39:31 • Mdumiseni Mkhize: 11:41:51 • Rudi Abrahams: 11:46:49 • Thabang Moloto: 11:53:44 • Lufuno Monyai: 11:56:55 • Phumzile Magagula: 11:59:33 For Dalpark resident Sepitle Leshilo, this was his 11th Comrades Marathon. Last year, the 57-year-old was the recipient of a Green Number, which signifies that a runner has completed 10 or more races. This achievement earns runners a permanent race number they can use in future races. The Green Number Club is an exclusive group that recognises and honours these dedicated runners. Another of the club's athletes, Patrick Sentsho, received his Green Number this year. It is a double win for Sentsho as he is also celebrating his 50th birthday this month. 'Congratulations to all the citizens, and special thanks to the supporting team,' said the club's marketing manager, Noko Matlou. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
City of Ekurhuleni Athletic Club celebrates Comrades medals and milestones
Members of the City of Ekurhuleni Athletic Club did their city and club exceptionally proud at the Comrades Marathon. This year's race, held on June 8, covered 89.98km, and was a down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The club was represented by 36 athletes at the 98th edition of the marathon. They were accompanied by a support team, who ensured the runners had a positive and memorable race day experience, and Ward 76 Clr Thulani Simelane. Twenty-six athletes completed the race, with five not finishing and five recorded as not started. The club's athletes bagged 26 medals – one silver, seven Bill Rowan (bronze centre with silver ring), two Robert Mtshali (titanium), eight bronze, and eight Vic Clapham (copper). The athletes and their times were: • Kamogelo Phogole: 7:14:39 (personal best and club record) • Mokgalong Nchabeleng: 7:55:50 (personal best) • Hoffney Tjiane: 8:11:57 • Humbulani Makhari: 8:16:06 (personal best) • Tshepo Ntswane: 8:46:27 • Kwena Mangala: 8:50:50 • Lucky Bosogo: 8:54:55 • Noko Matlou: 8:58:05 (personal best) • Eric Simina: 9:05:40 (personal best) • Leshisa Dhlamini: 9:53:51 • Sepitle Leshilo: 10:19:39 • Bonginkosi Mabala: 10:23:10 • Thato Mamabolo: 10:23:58 • Sibusiso Langa: 10:25:29 • Patrick Sentsho: 10:32:42 • Moemisi Tabane: 10:32:42 • Mamapote Mohube: 10:38:44 • Special Mhlanga: 10:41:30 • Menelisi Ndlamlenze: 11:01:27 • Kedibone Msiza: 11:26:30 • Amelia Masola: 11:39:31 • Mdumiseni Mkhize: 11:41:51 • Rudi Abrahams: 11:46:49 • Thabang Moloto: 11:53:44 • Lufuno Monyai: 11:56:55 • Phumzile Magagula: 11:59:33 For Dalpark resident Sepitle Leshilo, this was his 11th Comrades Marathon. Last year, the 57-year-old was the recipient of a Green Number, which signifies that a runner has completed 10 or more races. This achievement earns runners a permanent race number they can use in future races. The Green Number Club is an exclusive group that recognises and honours these dedicated runners. Another of the club's athletes, Patrick Sentsho, received his Green Number this year. It is a double win for Sentsho as he is also celebrating his 50th birthday this month. 'Congratulations to all the citizens, and special thanks to the supporting team,' said the club's marketing manager, Noko Matlou. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Banyana Banyana legend Noko Matlou calls on players to speak out for change
Noko Matlou is one of the trailblazers when it comes to women's soccer in Africa. After retiring from Banyana Banyana duty this year, she is happy with the growth of the team, but yearns for more improvement administratively. South African soccer legend Noko Matlou has seen and won it all during a particularly memorable career. The 39-year-old recently called time on her international career, although she aims to continue with club soccer for a few more years before officially walking away from the sport she has given so much to. Matlou's love for soccer was not always reciprocated by the game. She comes from the generation of Banyana Banyana players who paid to play soccer out of their own pockets, instead of being played to play the sport like their male counterparts. Of course, while this remains a reality for many female South African soccer players at domestic level (as they juggle full-time jobs with playing the game they love), at national team level there have been drastic improvements towards parity in the treatment of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. However, some improvements are still required. Recently, some Banyana players were left frustrated by the venue chosen for Matlou's farewell match, a friendly encounter with Malawi on 5 April 2025. The match was taken to the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus, a decent venue, but definitely not one fit for the reigning African champions to play on. The wet and soggy weather on the day further deteriorated the condition of the pitch. Even in the build-up to the 2023 World Cup, where Banyana Banyana reached the round of 16 for the first time, the players boycotted a friendly match against Botswana because they refused to play at the Tsakane Stadium. The players rightly pointed out that it was not up to international standards and the risk of injury on it was high. The South African Football Association (Safa) ignored their protests and instead had coach Desiree Ellis cobble together a random team sans the regulars in order to honour the fixture. Speak out Matlou, who was one of the most senior players in the national team until her retirement, says it's imperative for female footballers to never be afraid to speak out when they believe they are being treated unequally. It is the only way change will occur. 'When there is something that is happening behind the scenes, we need to talk about it. Because sometimes we are afraid of being victimised. And also, when you speak out, sometimes there are consequences,' Matlou said during a media engagement with the South African Football Journalists' Association. The former African player of the year used what happened when Spain won the World Cup two years ago as an example of the change that standing one's ground can bring about. Then Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales came under fire for kissing Spain player Jenni Hermoso (on the lips and without her consent) during the post-match celebrations. He has since been found guilty of sexual assault. Matlou — who plays in Spain for Cacereño Femenino — says that since the incident, there has been much change in how people perceive women's soccer in her country of employment. Matlou imagined a scenario in which Rubiales had not been caught on camera for the world to see his actions, where it would have been the word of the player against that of the president. 'What happened in the last World Cup for the senior team of Spain has changed a lot of things. As women, sometimes there are a lot of things that are happening behind the scenes that we don't want to talk about. Because if you talk about them, you're going to be a victim,' Matlou stated. 'So, it's a great thing when we can speak out. So that people can know what is happening. Because sometimes I can say, when something is happening behind the scenes, they will always protect whatever happened, so that it mustn't come out,' the stalwart defender said. Matlou and players such as Portia Modise have created a platform for someone like current Banyana Banyana captain Thembi Kgatlana to be even more vocal than they were in fighting for equality, without fearing reprisal. Despite retiring from Banyana Banyana and being nearly 40 years old, Matlou says she still has a few seasons left in her. Then she will decide what she wants to do post retirement. DM
CAF
06-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Former CAF Women's Footballer of the Year Matlou retires from international football
Noko Matlou's decision to retire from international football marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in one of Africa's greatest servants of women's football. With 174 caps for Banyana Banyana, Matlou has firmly established herself as one of the greatest players in the history of the women's game on the continent. Her journey, filled with remarkable highs, significant achievements, and contributions to the sport, is one that will be remembered for years to come. Matlou's crowning achievement came in 2008 when she was named the CAF Women's Player of the Year. This recognition was historic, as she became the first South African to win the prestigious award, putting her in the spotlight as one of Africa's best footballers. Her skills, leadership, and commitment to the game were clear for all to see, and this honour was just one of many accolades she received throughout her illustrious career. Over her 18-year international career, Matlou became a cornerstone of the Banyana Banyana team, playing a crucial role in their success on the continental and international stage. As the second-highest capped player in the team's history behind Janine Van Wyk, she has left a lasting legacy for future generations to follow. Her final game, a dominant 3-0 victory over Malawi on Saturday, 5 April, was a fitting end to an incredible career. Reflecting on her career, Matlou expressed immense pride in her journey. 'I'm so happy today to have gotten some minutes,' she said after her final match. 'I just want to wish the team all the best with the WAFCON and World Cup qualifiers. I remember my first game when we played at home against Nigeria in 2006, and it makes me emotional because today I am closing the curtain on my international career. I'm really happy with my journey even though it wasn't easy. I had highs and lows, but I'm happy for my journey.' Her commitment to the growth of women's football remains a key focus for Matlou, as she has long been an advocate for the professionalization of the sport. 'I wish that women's football can get professionalized because you can see the girls are trying their level best to get to a professional league and show their potential to play against the best in the world,' she said. Her influence on the game extends beyond her on-field accomplishments. Matlou's legacy will continue to inspire young female footballers across the continent. She has shown that with determination and hard work, women can make their mark in sports at the highest level. As Matlou steps away from international football, her impact on Banyana Banyana and women's football in South Africa remains undeniable. Her remarkable achievements, leadership, and dedication to the game will continue to serve as an inspiration to the next generation of players.
