Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou confident of FIFA World Cup selection

The veteran defender missed South Africa’s 3-2 defeat in their final international friendly in April before the trip to Australia and New Zealand due to injury, but has been named in coach Desiree Ellis’ provisional 36-member squad. 

Speaking to SABC Sport before the squad was announced, Matlou acknowledged there were moments of doubt, but says helping club SD Eibar gain promotion back to the Spanish women's premier division is undeniable. 

"When you miss a Banyana camp, you always wonder and ask yourself, 'Am I going to make it?' Because it's a tough year for the national team," acknowledged Matlou.

"So, getting an injury was a little bit of a worry, but I recovered and I'm fully focussed. I'm looking forward... I think [I'll be in the World Cup squad] because I've done well at my club."

The 37-year-old, who realised her dream of playing professional football at the late age of 35, is still in disbelief as she celebrates her recent contract extension with Eibar, for whom she missed only two of 30 matches this past season.

"I'm happy to have extended my contract with the team because last year when we got relegated, everyone thought we wouldn't come back, but with the new players that came in, I think we did well as a team," she added.

"And getting promotion to the Primera Division is something very special for me, and [signing] another contract – I'm happy. 

"Everyone wants to play in the premier league against Real Madrid, Atletico [Madrid], and Barcelona – even just playing there, you grow as a person."