Rhoda Mulaudzi made Westfield W-League history back in Round 1 when she ran out for Canberra United alongside Refiloe Jane, becoming the first South Africans to play in the competition.
Fast forward 14 rounds and Mulaudzi had well and truly left her mark on Australia’s top flight, netting four goals in 12 appearances for the Capital club.
TOP IMPORTS: Natasha Dowie stars in Victory renaissance
TOP IMPORTS: Star playmaker shines in dark Wanderers season
TOP IMPORTS: Eckerstrom outstanding for Newcastle Jets
While not hitting the statistical heights of some other forwards, Mulaudzi was a constant menace in a Canberra side that struggled in the second half of the season.
Let’s take a look at how the South African striker fared during the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season!
Scoring on debut
Mulaudzi had already made history simply by walking onto the pitch in Round 1 against defending Champions Melbourne City.
As if becoming the joint-first player from your country to play in Australia’s top flight wasn’t enough, the South African striker also stepped up and scored on debut to help set up an upset victory.
Compatriot Refiloe Jane launched a through ball over the top of the City back four and into the path of Mulaudzi who chipped the ball over the head of the oncoming Lydia Williams.
A brilliant start to life in the Capital.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5854417702001
Taking down the Champions-to-be
From defending Champions to future Champions, Rhoda Malaudzi didn’t care who she was facing in the opening rounds of Westfield W-League action.
Facing Sydney FC at McKellar Park in Round 5, Mulaudzi popped up in the fourth minute of first half injury time to open the scoring, looping a fantastic shot on the turn over Aubrey Bledsoe’s head and into the back of the net.
A second-half strike to Karly Roestbakken sealed all three points for the home side as Canberra compounded the Sky Blues’ early season pain.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5974262294001
Finals dream still alive
A barren run mid-season saw United’s finals hopes hanging by a thread when they welcomed high-flying Brisbane Roar to McKellar Park in Round 9.
Canberra only had to wait three minutes to hit the front and once again it was the South African number nine who was the catalyst.
Pouncing on a stray back pass from Roar skipper Clare Polkinghorne, Mulaudzi kept her nerve to fire the home side into the lead.
Unfortunately the match finished 1-1 but without Mulaudzi’s contributions, Canberra’s finals tilt could have been over a lot quicker.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5983787210001
