Unhappy 150th cap for Banyana veteran Noko Matlou
SA end up in 10th place after 3-0 loss to Finland in Cyprus Cup tournament
Cape Town — Banyana Banyana veteran Noko Matlou wore the captain’s armband as she made her 150th appearance for the national side‚ but it proved an unhappy occasion as the team slumped to a 3-0 loss to Finland to finish 10th in the Cyprus Cup competition on Wednesday. Banyana ended a disappointing showing at the tournament with a third loss in four games‚ not ideal preparation for the Fifa women’s World Cup in France in June and July. But coach Des Ellis will point to the fact that she made a number of changes in each game of the tournament‚ and experimented with positions and formations‚ which will have contributed to the below par results. Ellis changed six players for the play-off match with Finland‚ including resting Janine van Wyk‚ Rhoda Mulaudzi‚ Linda Motlhalo‚ Refiloe Jane and Leandra Smeda.
There was little to write home about in the opening 30 minutes‚ before Finland caught Banyana out with an aerial ball and Katarina Naumanen headed them in front. Karabo Dhlamini ha...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.