A friendship forged by being the best

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

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

Mulaudzi has a fascinating background. Born in Venda, the striker (and grand-daughter to a Venda king) have both been included in Banyana team to play in the Cypress Cup later this month.

Jane admits her best friend, Soweto-born midfielder Mulaudzi, has paved the way for her on and off the 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 South African sports duo started their friendship when Mulaudzi selected Jane as her vicecaptain back 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 onto the international stage, to sign their first professional contracts with Canberra United.

“When I first came here, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Mulaudzi said. “But we’ve learnt a lot. The supporters and our teammates here have been very welcoming.”

“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.’

“Because I had my own father’s blessing, I had more confidence. I thought okay this is what I want, and I’m going to continue, and nobody is going to stop me.”

The striker said her story is far from a fairytale, and admitted she was close to giving up the game last year, when she was approached by a “crazy fan” from her province who “loves women’s football.”

But despite securing their preseason trial spots, the pair had to scrape funds together for visas, meals and flights out to Australia.

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 fair.

“I knew how important this way for Rhoda,” she said.

“She’s always wanted to play overseas, and it was an opportunity. What’s the worst that could have happened? At the end of the day, it’s just money.”

The gesture ended up paying off, with the duo offered dual 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.

They’re also open to signing with another international club, if the opportunity presents itself.

“Given the opportunity to

(go back to Canberra United), we