CAPE TOWN – Global sports company Puma has signed a partnership agreement with Banyana Banyana players Nomvula Kgoale and Noko Matlou.
The duo are members of the national squad which is currently in Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
They join their fellow teammates Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Thalea Smidt, Leandra Smeda, Rhoda Mulaudzi and Zanele Nhlapho in the Puma family.
“We welcome Noko and Nomvula to the global Puma Fam. The partnership fits our commitment to support and empower women in sport, as they are exceptional athletes who continue to inspire women footballers in South Africa,” said Brett Bellinger, Puma South Africa Marketing Director.
“It’s a World Cup year and we are confident they are going to do the brand and the country proud.”
Kgoale, who was named to the Hall of Fame at Louisiana Tech University for the quality of her football during her time at the US college, plays in Puma Future boots.
“I’m a versatile player. I don’t play one position. I have both attacking and defensive roles. The boots support my need
for control and creativity,” she said.
Matlou, who plays in Puma Ultra boots, was the first South African to be named African Women Footballer of the Year and plays for Eibar in Spain.
“Being so far from home in a foreign country, I needed to become mentally tougher. That has helped me to deal with different challenges on and off the pitch,” said Matlou.
“I have been exposed to a high level of competition in Spain and can now read the game better and I’m much stronger in one-on-one situations.”
