If Rhoda Mulaudzi and Refiloe Jane were nervous making history on their Canberra United debuts then it certainly did not show.
The pair became the first ever South Africans to play in the Westfield W-League and were handed the toughest possible debut test, coming up against three-time reigning Champions Melbourne City.
REPORT: Mulaudzi stars as Canberra United beat Melbourne City 2-0
UP NEXT: Westfield W-League Round 2 fixtures
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That unenviable task was all the more intimidating as they faced the challenge of beating Westfield Matildas star stopper Lydia Williams.
Indeed, Williams was more than a match for Mulaudzi’s sublime strike in the 34th minute, taking flight to push the striker’s effort wide and underline why she is one of the world’s most highly regarded goalkeepers.
However, Mulaudzi had the craft to find a different route past the City back-line with the help of her compatriot, latching on to Jane’s through ball and lobbing the onrushing Williams to open the scoring.
What a move from @CanberraUnited!@fifinhojane âž¡ @RhodaMulaudzi #WLeague #CBRvMCY
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/AYoNhJ7NfT— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) October 28, 2018
She then turned provider to wrap up the points, completing a one-two with 18-year-old Westfield Matildas star Ellie Carpenter, who showed composure beyond her years to slot home Canberra’s second.
A goal and an assist gave Mulaudzi the headlines, but Jane’s influence on the game was equally impressive. The classy play-maker regularly opened up the defending Champions’ defence with four created chances and unleashed two shots on target from outside the area.
With Scotland captain Rachel Corsie alongside Carpenter at the back, few questions surround United’s defensive strength, but the creative spark of their South African teammates means they must be considered genuine Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season contenders.
