Get some insight into Mamelodi Sundowns and Banyana Banyana star Rhoda Mulaudzi as she discusses her Champions League triumph and journey to the top.

Mulaudzi also talks about her toughest opponent in the Champions League, how her game has evolved over time and the steps she would take to boost football for girls and women in SA.

In addition, she discusses her challenging time in Belarus playing for Dinamo Minsk as well as her triumphant return home to be part of the treble-winning Mamelodi Sundowns women’s team which lifted the Caf Champions League trophy.

Happy birthday for the 2nd. What was your favourite gift?

Thank you for the birthday wish. My favourite gift was an album by musician Dr Thomas Chauke.

You rejoined Mamelodi Sundowns in July?

It is nice being home and I enjoyed every moment of the journey with my home team, which included winning the Caf Women’s
Champions League as well as the Hollywoodbets Super League.

Who were your toughest teams to play this season?

Locally, UWC, as they are a good team, strong and always highly motivated to win against Mamelodi Sundowns. In the Champions League it was Rivers Angels from Nigeria, as they were so defensively strong but also had speedy players who were able to run.

If you could advise Sundowns on buying one of your opponents, who would you recommend?

The No 11, Fatima Tagnaout from Moroccan team ASFAR. She’s quick,
smart, skilful and can dribble. Her passing ability also makes her a great team player and she would bring a lot of positivity, especially with her attacking.

What are the strengths of your team?

Team spirit. We play for one another, not as individuals. We also have quick players and score lots of goals.

Tell us about coach Jerry Tshabalala?

The coach is very funny, always laughing, easily approachable and off the field he is like a father and a friend. He is a free-spirited man.
However, when it comes to work it is strictly work.

How was your time playing for Dinamo Minsk?

Football-wise, I improved technically. Usually I play as a striker, and in Belarus I was made to play as a winger, so I became a better allround player. But, life outside football was not enjoyable. Language was a big issue. It was difficult to grasp even though I tried my best to learn.

Which is your favourite country to visit?

Australia, because of the language, culture and the
fact that they are very welcoming. I gained many supporters when I played there and I enjoyed my stay.

What are your strengths?

I’m quick, skilful, a goal sorer and can make good crosses.

How has your approach to the game changed with experience?

I better understand football and am able to utilise my skill and strength together with my brain. I am better able to anticipate a teammate’s next move, and have become a team player, rather than playing for myself.

Which boots do you play in?

PUMA Ultra Women. They are comfortable and have a MATRYXEVO technology woven upper, making them lightweight, which is suitable for the speed game that I like.

Your goals for 2022?

I see the team defending our Hollywoodbets Super League and Caf
Women’s Champions League titles as well as playing in the Fifa Women’s Club World Cup. In terms of the national team, hopefully we win Afcon and qualify for the Fifa World Cup in 2023.

If you got a heads-up from Safa, what key steps would you take to boost football among girls and women?

I would start by introducing school football and development academies for girls. Ensuring there are sponsors for female teams and seeking support from the Department of Sport and other organisations to assist with the growth of women’s and girls’ sport across all
provinces.