Banyana stars move focus from Oz to France

TWO Banyana Banyana stars, Refiloe Jane and Rhoda Mulaudzi, have not only shared a 13-year friendship, but are hoping their experience at being part of the Australian Women’s Premier League will take the South African team to great heights at the World Cup in France in June and July.

Both became the first South Africans to play in Australia after they secured themselves a contract with Canberra United.

Mulaudzi has a fascinating background. Born in Venda and raised in Soweto, the striker (and granddaughter to a Venda king) has been included in the Banyana team with Jane to play in the Cypress Cup later this month, before they set their sights on the World Cup.

Jane admits Mulaudzi has paved the way for her on and off the soccer pitch over the years. So when it came to paying for her friend’s flight out to Australia to trial for the W-League, she didn’t think twice.

The duo’s friendship started when Mulaudzi selected Jane as her vice-captain in 2006. From there, Jane followed Mulaudzi to several other clubs, and later to study at Vaal University.

But their big break came when Mulaudzi led them on to the international stage to sign their first professional contracts with Canberra United.

But the road to their international success wasn’t easy – or conventional.

Mulaudzi forfeited her royal duties to pursue football. “At the time, my mum was not impressed,” she said. “But my dad – he’s a football person. He just said, ‘Whatever you decide, I’ll support you all the way’.”

Last year “a crazy fan” sent their YouTube highlights to Canberra United coach Heather Garriock to get the ball rolling. But despite securing their pre-season trial spots, the pair had to scrape funds together.

With just four days to go, and no tickets booked, Jane and another teammate ended up taking their own savings to pay for Mulaudzi’s fare.

The gesture paid off, with the duo offered contracts as the first South African players in the league. They’re hoping their contribution will blaze a trail for other athletes from their country. | African News Agency (ANA)