Rhoda Mulaudzi: A New Chapter in Yellow

Author: John Aliu

After an illustrious 14-year playing career, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ striker, Rhoda Mulaudzi is hanging up her boots—but not her love for the game. The seasoned striker has officially retired from professional football and stepped into a new chapter as Second Assistant Coach of the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies First Team, while also serving as Head Coach of the Under-17 Academy Girls.

This transition marks not an end, but an evolution—a continuation of her football journey from the pitch to the bench, infused with the same intensity, passion and commitment that made her a legend among the Masandawana faithful and compatriots at Banyana Banyana.

A Storied Playing Career

Rhoda’s journey with Sundowns Ladies has been one defined by grace, grit and glory. With five Hollywoodbets Super League titles, two CAF Champions League crowns, CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA zonal qualifier title and countless clutch performances, she has been instrumental in the Club’s rise to continental dominance. In the 2019/20 season, she was crowned Top Goal Scorer with a jaw-dropping 36 goals in 17 games and later named Hollywoodbets SAFJA Player of the Season.

“Football has given me so many memories and lessons that I will carry for life. I think it is time to give back to the game in a different capacity. Another reason for making this call is the injuries I have had in the past three years—it had just become too much to bear. The will was there to continue, but the body was no longer responding the way it used to. I had to listen to it, respect its limits and make the tough decision, ” Rhoda said.

Leading from the Sidelines

Even before calling time on her playing career, Rhoda had already begun carving a path in coaching. In 2022, she took the reins of the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies U16 team, leading them to victory in the inaugural Volkswagen Vaya Cup. Her coaching momentum continued in 2024, guiding the U14 side to the Gauteng Women’s Development League title.

Currently holding CAF C and D License Coaching Certificates, her leadership was quickly recognized at the national level. In December 2024, she joined the South African Women’s U17 National Team as an Assistant Coach, helping the team secure a stunning 21–2 aggregate victory over Gabon in the first round of the Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

“The transition from being a player to stepping into a coach has been exciting and humbling. As a player, I was used to being on the field—scoring, assisting and making things happen. Now, I lead from the sidelines, but with the same passion and drive. It is a different kind of responsibility that requires vision, clarity and patience,” Mulaudzi added.

New Role, Same Passion

As Second Assistant Coach for the Sundowns Ladies First Team and Head Coach of the U17 Academy Girls, Rhoda’s role is pivotal in contributing to the development of training programs, match strategy and most importantly, mentorship.

“What makes it easier is that I have walked the same path many of these players are on. I know what they are fighting for. I am here to guide them—with honesty and experience.”

Her familiarity with the Sundowns culture, her peerless work ethic and her ability to connect with players on and off the field make her a pivotal asset to the Club’s technical team. Her dual role reflects the Club’s belief in nurturing talent from within—and no one embodies that vision more than Rhoda Mulaudzi.

Mulaudzi who honed her skills playing for the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to study has played on the international stage with Banyana Banyana and various clubs in Europe. She has played for Canberra United in Australia, Apollon Ladies FC in Cyprus playing in the UEFA Champions League and Dinamo Minsk in the Belarus Premier League before returning home. The experience gained will come in handy in her mentorship and motivation of the younger players.

Looking Ahead

As Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies gear up for another competitive year, Rhoda’s presence brings a fresh perspective, dynamic leadership and a player’s eye for detail. Her legacy on the field is already cemented—but from the touchline, a new chapter is being written.

“I am thankful for the opportunity that the Club has given me and I will reward them for the faith that they have placed in me. Whilst pursuing my coaching career, I plan to further my studies—pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Sports Management. I also have a passion for talent identification, especially discovering young South African players abroad and creating opportunities for them. I am excited for what lies ahead and ready to continue building a legacy that empowers the next generation,” Coach Rhoda concluded.

With her extensive experience, passion for the game and drive to uplift others, there is no doubt that Rhoda Mulaudzi will leave an indelible mark both on and off the field, promoting the next generation of talent and ensuring that the legacy of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies lives on for years to come. Coach Rhoda will be rooting for one of the players that she coaches to break her record of 36 goals in a season.

To hear how the shy, Coach Rhoda, decided to retire, check out The Pitchside Podcast on Mamelodi Sundowns TV

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