‘No one can take that away from them’: Danny Jordaan on SA stalwarts’ milestones
In a moment of reflection, SAFA President Danny Jordaan has emphasised the lasting impact of two remarkable SA football stalwarts, declaring, “No one can ever take that away from them.”
Jordaan’s words highlight the significance of Banyana Banyana’s duo’s accomplishments and the impact they have made on women’s football in South Africa, as they contributed to the rise of the women’s national team.
A chapter closed as Banyana said goodbye to Nompumelelo Nyandeni and Noko Matlou as their final international dance played out in the two-game friendly series against Malawi. While the results were secondary, the matches served as a fitting tribute to the duo’s years of dedicated service.
Banyna coach Desiree Ellis carved out space to honour Nyandeni and Matlou amidst preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON] title defence in Morocco in July.
Nyandeni, in her emotional 150th cap, captained Banyana to a 2-1 victory at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday, leaving the field as the third most capped player.
Meanwhile, Matlou also ended her storied career in Banyana’s impressive 3-0 victory over Malawi at UJ Soweto Campus on Saturday.
SAFA PRESIDENT HAILS NYANDENI AND MATLOU’S LEGACY
Marking the end of an era, SAFA president Jordaan congratulated Nyandeni and honoured Matlou for their contributions to SA women’s football.
“Their place in history is confirmed and no one can ever take that away from them,” he said. “Their contribution to the game, both here at home and on the continent, is enormous and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
From her debut at 15 to her recent farewell, Nyandeni’s career spanned nearly two decades of Banyana service. Her long-awaited 150th cap, achieved after a four-year delay, was a celebration, yet tinged with disappointment.
Nyandeni found herself on the standby list for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a decision by Ellis that surprised many, which was also a bitter pill to swallow for ‘Mbuzi’.
Though ‘Mbuzi’ finally earned her 150th cap, the World Cup and Banyana’s WAFCON triumph slipped through her fingers. Nyandeni’s legacy, however, includes her pivotal role in Banyana’s first-ever 2012 Olympic qualification and appearance.
On the other hand, Matlou, a trailblazer from Limpopo, graced the international stage for the first time in 2007, embarking on a journey that would cement her place as one of SA’s greatest footballers.
With an astonishing 174 caps, she is the second-most capped SA women’s player, surpassed only by her former defensive partner, Janine van Wyk, with 185 caps.
The former lethal striker is the first South African to win the CAF Women’s Player of the Year. Beyond this historic accolade, her presence defined an era of Banyana Banyana success, marked by appearances at the Olympics, the World Cup, and a triumphant WAFCON victory.
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