Limpopo-based Hollywoodbets Super League side Ramatlaohle Ladies have made a marquee signing by securing the services of Banyana Banyana legend Noko Matlou for the 2026/27 season.
The 40-year-old veteran returns to South Africa following a spell in Europe, where she tested her capabilities against top-tier talent in Spain.
Matlou joins Ramatlaohle Ladies following a stint with Spanish Primera Federacion side CP Cacereño. The versatile footballer signed for the Cáceres-based club in 2024 after a three-year tenure with top-flight outfit SD Eibar, where she firmly established her reputation on the European stage.
Following her satisfying performances, Matlou extended her stay at CP Cacereño for an additional season in June last year before she returned home.
NOKO MATLOU EXPECTED TO BRING WEALTH OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Matlou’s homecoming is expected to provide an invaluable boost to the Limpopo outfit as they look to build a highly competitive side balanced with youth and experience.
The acquisition of the 2008 African Women’s Footballer of the Year brings a lot of knowledge to the Ramatlaohle Ladies squad, as the club’s hierarchy views her presence as a vital catalyst that will accelerate the growth and development of the team’s emerging young talent within the structures of South African women’s football.
With an illustrious international career spanning more than 18 years at the highest level, Matlou has seen and done it all. Her journey is a blueprint of longevity and excellence for many women who aspire to become footballers in the country.
RAMATLAOHLE LADIES FC’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON NOKO MATLOU’S ACQUISITION
Ramatlaohle Ladies welcomed the Limpopo-born footballer with open arms, expressing confidence that she will guide the team to greater heights.
“This one needs no introduction. The first South African woman to win the CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year Award in 2008. Help us give a warm welcome to Noko Matlou. From Spain to Limpopo’s Ramatlaohle Ladies FC,” said the club in a statement released on Monday, 22 June 2026.
Matlou is currently the second-highest capped player in Banyana history, having amassed an incredible 174 international appearances—second only to her long-time defensive partner Janine van Wyk [186 caps].
She was an instrumental figure in the historic Banyana squad that conquered the continent to claim the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON] title in Morocco in 2022.
After nearly two decades of unwavering service to the national team, Matlou officially called time on her international career when she retired from national duty in April 2025.
RELATED STORY: Noko Matlou reveals all-time favourite Banyana Banyana teammate