Noko Matlou, the South African footballer, emerged as the winner of the Africa Top Sports Awards Footballer of the Year category. Her impressive career and notable achievements set her apart from other strong contenders such as Genevova Anonman (Equatorial Guinea/Potsdam), Portia Modise (South Africa/Palace Super Falcons), and Rita Chikwelu (Nigeria/FC United Pietarsaari).
Matlou, a regular on the podium, previously secured the title of Best Footballer of the Year in 2008. In that year, she delivered an outstanding performance, finishing as the top scorer in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with six goals. Matlou’s accomplishments also include winning the Cosafa Awards for scoring 14 goals in just five matches.
In 2011, Matlou was honored as Sportswoman of the Year in South Africa. The 27-year-old striker has scored an impressive 40 goals in 45 matches for the national team and participated in the 2012 women’s football tournament at the Olympic Games in London.