Football
KweséESPN staff 6y

South African duo sign for Australia's Canberra United

Australian W-League side Canberra United have snapped up the South African international duo of Refiloe Jane and Rhoda Mulaudzi, the club confirmed on Monday.

United coach Heather Garriock says she was impressed with the Banyana Banyana duo after an extended trial and believes they can be a hit for the club.

"In their short time here in Canberra Fifi [Jane] and Rhoda have been very impressive," Garriock told the club's website.

"It was hard for them to get here, and then to come in to a different environment and play but they have done very well to adapt and really stood out to me.

"Fifi's technical ability in midfield is simply outstanding, and in Rhoda I can see the pace and aggression that I'm looking for up front."

Garriock believes the two additions will add to the quality of not just her team, but the league as a whole.

"You look at where the Westfield W-League has been, where it's come from, and then see where it is now," she said.

"Players are been recruited from everywhere, players are being given these opportunities in a strong league and it is a good sign of where the league is at."

The pair join overseas professionals such as Janine van Wyk, Thembi Kgatlana, and Linda Motlhalo at Houston Dash in the US, Finland-based Ode Fulutudilu and Leandra Smeda in a rush of South Africans to play abroad.

"I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity at Canberra United," Jane said. "I am looking forward to the season and making the most of this chance."

Midfielder Jane, 26, played at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games with South Africa and is the vice-captain of the national side behind stalwart Van Wyk.

Mulaudzi, 28, who leaves her job as a financial administrator to pursue her football dream, has been a prolific striker with the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team.

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