After 174 appearances for Banyana Banyana, the legendary Noko Matlou has bowed out of the international scene.

The first-ever South African to win the Women’s African Footballer of the Year award, back in 2008, made her last appearance for Banyana Banyana when South Africa’s senior national women’s side beat Malawi 3-0 on Saturday, 5 April, at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus.

The 39-year-old enjoyed an international career spanning almost two decades.

“I’m very happy at this moment, and going forward, I wish the team luck and well for WAFCON and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers,” said Matlou.

She’s the second most capped Banyana Banyana player after Janine van Wyk, who finished on 185 caps.

Born in Moletjie, Limpopo, Matlou started out as a striker and evolved into a commanding defender over the years.

Besides her individual award in 2008, she’s gone on to help Banyana Banyana win the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Matlou also starred at the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For now, she’ll continue to play at club level for Spanish side, CP Cacereño.