When 25-year-old Andile Mudau had to choose a career path, she decided against pursuing a profession traditionally associated with women. Instead, the determined young woman chose to become a soccer referee.
Mudau is already making a name for herself in the male-dominated world of football officiating, regularly taking charge of matches in the SAFA Vhembe League.
Born in the Tshivhungululu area outside Louis Trichardt, Mudau developed a passion for soccer at an early age.
“I started dreaming about soccer when I was only 15 years old,” she said.
Unlike many young football enthusiasts who aspire to become professional players, Mudau set her sights on a different ambition — officiating matches at the highest level.
Her dedication and hard work are already paying off. On 18 July, she was selected to officiate the final of the SAFA Vhembe Champs of Champs tournament at Thohoyandou Stadium, a significant milestone in her refereeing career.
Mudau hopes to one day officiate in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and ultimately at the FIFA World Cup. She sees every local league match as an opportunity to gain experience and move closer to achieving that dream.
Mudau believes referees should be judged on their ability rather than their gender. Despite the challenges often associated with being a female referee in a male-dominated sport, she says she has always been treated with respect on the field.
“I make sure that I apply the laws of the game fairly and consistently, and that earns me respect from players and officials. The fact that I’m a woman has nothing to do with my authority on the pitch,” she said.
She added that she is proud of the respect she receives from male players, coaches and officials.
“I’ve never been assaulted or disrespected during my refereeing career. I’m happy that male players and officials accept me when I’m in charge of games. As long as you do your job professionally and apply the rules correctly, people respect your decisions,” she said.