Rhoda Roars Like A Lion
ShakingInk caught up with the reigning South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) women's footballer of the season, Rhoda Mulaudzi, in this interview the former Mamelodi Sundowns goal getter talks about her move abroad and winning two league titles in one calendar year.
In her second stint with The Brazilians Mulaudzi led the Sundowns attack and helped the Tshwane giants to win the maiden SAFA Women's National League title, finishing the season a joint top goal scorer with TUT Hildah Magai, netting thirty six goals each. Mulaudzi rejoined the Patrice Motsepe owned club in 2019 after spells overseas with Canberra United in Australia and Apollon Limassol in Cyprus before recently joining Dinamo Minsk FC in Belarus.
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After leading the Chloorkop based outfit in their invincibles campaign, the move aboad was inevitable. With the Ha-Muligidi born goal poacher scoring goals for fun, her agent and Banyana Banyana teammate Bambanani Mbane were facilitating her switch to FC Dinamo Minsk. "The move to FC Dinamo Minsk in Belarus happened through my agent (Tresor) and Bambanani Mbane." confirmed Mulaudzi.
Winning titles is what every athlete strives for but some can go the entire career without lifting any piece of silverware. Back to back league titles is a rare feat but Mambush has won two in two countries in a single calendar year. With the league season in South Africa coming to an abrupt end due to Covid-19 outbreak, log leaders, Sundowns were declared champions. Upon her arrival in Belarus, Mulaudzi helped Volodymyr Reva charges to Vysshaya Liga Women victory adding another gold medal to the one she had won back home in South Africa. "It came as a surprise but I was delighted that it happened. I did not do it alone, my teammates were also involved in making the victory a success. I also would like to thank God for the talent and everyone who contributed and supported me to this day." Said Mulaudzi on her winning spree.
South African footballers have been criticized of not taking their careers serious amid their premature return from brief stints abroad due to various reasons. Ranging from weather conditions to language barriers. With one star, Steve Lekoelea, once said "Afrikaans in the Netherlands was a bit funny." Mulaudzi admits moving out of the comforts of her own home has its own challenges but she is willing to do whatever it takes to see her career reaching greater heights. "Adjusting my life overseas had its own challenges but on the other side I can say that I adjusted well regardless of the weather, language and culture."
Being mothers is the only commodity women embrace and that shouldn't be used against them. Serena Williams' coach barred her from breast feeding her new born infant and the tennis star described the advice as a 'bad advice' she expected from her mentor. FIFA has granted football stars a green light to a fourteen months martenity leave. Mulaudzi welcomes the decision from Zurich. Mulaudzi said "It is a good thing, it shows that women's football is growing and now seen and recognized as a career and a job."
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Banyana has won the COSAFA Cup tournament held in Port Elizabeth late last year, making it their seventh Cosafa title, and fourth on the bounce. Mulaudzi argued that the tournament is not an easy stroll for South Africa but believes Desiree Ellis charges put in the work to conquer the Southern part of the continent. "I would not say that the tournament is easy for Banyana. Every tournament and game is tough as you cannot take any team lightly. You as good as your previous game. Banyana works hard each and every game." Emphasized Mulaudzi.
Football scribers are more often seen as enemies of progress. South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) voted Mulaudzi as the best woman footballer of the 2019/20 season. Mulaudzi says the recognition from South African football journalists is something she never anticipated. "I feel happy because I wasn't expecting it. It is an amazing feeling to be recognized as it also gives me the motivation to continue working hard, not giving up, believing in myself and my capabilities. It's all thanks to the Almighty God and everyone who has been supporting me." Mulaudzi said.
Not only professionals saw it befitting to name Mulaudzi the best woman footballer based in South Africa a player of the season accolade. Like journalists, football fans casted their votes and named Mulaudzi, the best women footballer of the season. Mulaudzi says these accolades can only motivate her to do even better. "I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported, voted and everyone who saw something in me, I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for their undying love and support, they must also do that for others." Concluded Mulaudzi.
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