Rhoda Mulaudzi has cemented her legacy as one of the most accomplished players in African women’s football. Born in Tshimbupfe Malonga, Limpopo, Mulaudzi has thrilled fans with her fascinating performances as a wing striker for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
Her journey has taken her across the globe, with stints at prestigious clubs such as Canberra United in Australia, Apollon Ladies in Cyprus, and Dinamo Minsk in Belarus. From representing South Africa on the grandest stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 to lifting the CAF Women’s Champions League trophy twice, Mulaudzi’s accolades speak volumes about her dedication and talent.
Now, with a National Diploma in Sports Management, a BTech in Business Administration, and CAF C and D licenses to her name, Mulaudzi is carving a new path as a coach. Recently appointed as the assistant coach for South Africa’s U-17 Women’s National Team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, she lets us into her world as both an athlete and a coach as she continues to inspire the next generation of female footballers.
Gabon vs South Africa Fixtures
A New Milestone: The Meaning of Her Appointment
When asked what this appointment means to her, Mulaudzi’s pride and excitement were palpable.
“I’m truly honored and excited about this appointment as assistant coach for the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.This appointment is a huge milestone in my coaching journey. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to the development of young talent on an international stage. It also shows that hard work, dedication, and passion don’t go unnoticed,” she shared passionately.
Mulaudzi’s role in coaching feels like a natural progression for someone who has spent her entire life immersed in football. Her wealth of experience—from playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League to lifting trophies in domestic and regional competitions—equips her to guide the next generation of stars.
Inspiration Behind Her Coaching Journey
Mulaudzi, who is also affectionately known as “Mambush”, credits her early years in football and the influential coaches she encountered as the driving forces behind her desire to coach.
“My love for football and the desire to give back to the game inspired me to start coaching. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible coaches throughout my career, and I want to pass on that knowledge and help young players reach their full potential,” she said.
Immediate Goals for the U-17 Women’s National Team
Mulaudzi is laser-focused on the task ahead: Providing support to the head coach and inspiring the U-17 team to perform at their level best.
“My immediate goal is to support the head coach and technical team in preparing the squad both physically and mentally for the qualifiers. I want to help create a positive and competitive environment where the players can perform at their best,” she emphasized.
Balancing Multiple Roles
Mulaudzi’s schedule is nothing short of demanding. As a player for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the Hollywoodbets Super League, a coach for the U-16 team at the club, and now an assistant coach for the U-17 national team, she wears multiple hats. Yet, she thrives on the challenge.
“Balancing these roles requires discipline, time management, and clear priorities. Each role is unique, but they all complement each other because they revolve around football. I make sure to stay focused, plan my schedule carefully, and give 100% to whichever role I’m in at that moment.”
Personal Goals for the Future
Looking ahead, Mulaudzi has her sights set on becoming a trailblazer in women’s football coaching.
“My ultimate goal is to coach at the senior national team level, either here in South Africa or abroad. I also want to continue growing women’s football in our country by creating more opportunities for young girls to access the game,” she revealed.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Rhoda Mulaudzi’s journey from a small village in Limpopo to the global football stage is nothing short of inspiring. As she embarks on this new chapter as a coach, her story serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible with hard work, passion, and resilience.
In her closing remarks, she shared her ambitions to gain knowledge and share her expertise beyond her native ground, “I aim to continue growing as a coach, gain more experience at the international level.”
She added. “Most importantly, I want to leave a lasting impact on every player I work with, helping them grow both on and off the field.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers for African teams officially kicks-off on Friday, 10 January. Four nations will join tournament hosts, Morocco to make up the five African representatives at the finals set to take place from 17 October to 8 November 2025
FIFA U-17 Women's Qualifiers Info
The South African U-17 women's team will do battle with Gabon on Saturday, 11 January in the first leg away in Franceville, with the return fixture to be played the following Saturday, 18 January in South Africa.
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