University of Fort Hare Sport Officer Mihlali Rodolo wants to be remembered for playing a vital role in the development of young talent as she drives women’s rugby at varsity level.
In 2015, Rodolo ventured in sport administration after playing for Border netball as well as her involvement in indigenous games for the Eastern Cape province.
Through her experience as an athlete, Rodolo says she came across various challenges, which she hopes to change for the next generation and inspire their growth in sport.
As a leader, Rodolo reveals women in sport who have motivated her to change the game and provide a brighter future in the sporting space.
Speaking with Celine Abrahams, Rodolo speaks on the importance of balancing education and sport, and shares her views on what makes a good leader.
Mihlali, thank you so much for chatting to us! Over the years you have made your mark in women’s rugby at university level. Please tell us about your involvement and why it was important for you to play your part in the development of women’s sport.
I was once a netball player from Primary to Provincial level and through my experience as an athlete, I discovered that there are challenges that players faces, and I wanted to help a young athlete to not go through the same experiences I faced.
It is important to help develop brighter futures for aspiring athletes and growth in sport.
Apart from rugby, what other sporting codes have you been involved in at University of Fort Hare?
Volleyball, Karate (oju-kae and full contact) Athletics, chess and softball. With netball, I manage the team only when we attend the USSA national tournament.
As a leader, what are some of the skills you have had to hone in order to positively impact the lives of student-athletes?
I mostly used my experience as a player at University of Fort Hare together with mentorship from people who have been doing this for a long time, e.g the late Elliot Fana and Mr Lange.
And being curious always works to my advantage because I’m always eager to learn.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered and how have you been able to overcome them?
Being involved in a male-dominated field is such a challenge on its own as men will always protect their space from women, however being firm in our field works to my advantage.
What is the state of women’s sport at university level and how can it be improved?
Women’s Rugby at some universities is not well recognized and not getting full attention as compared to the men’s team.
We have started an initiative at university level where 4 universities will be playing against each other in preparation for the USSA National Tournament. These games will be called USSA EC Rugby Women’s League games which will be under the umbrella of USSA EC.
This initiative is going to assist a lot in creating more game-time and the opportunity to identify talent in the Eastern Cape as they will be given more recognition and attention.
What can student-athletes do better to be a success in both their sporting careers and academics?
Prioritizing and making time is very important. Also, within sporting codes there needs to be a tutor that assists student-athletes with their academics and helps to be that middle person between the athletes and coaches to ensure that there is time management between sport and their education.
Let’s talk more about you. Please tell us about your journey in sport.
Sport has been part of my life since Grade 6 (2002) when I started playing netball, up until my time at University of Fort Hare (2015).
I played for Border netball and Eastern Cape for indigenous games, then I decided to stop playing and become an administrator in sport from 2015 till to date.
I was given Karate and Athletics to administer. Our Athletics team are bronze medallists in the 21km event at USSA and in Karate, 6 players were selected to form part of the national team.
I was the first female sport officer in the department at that time after I had started as an assistant Event Manager, then becoming an event coordinator for Varsity Shield Rugby games hosted by UFH.
I even started a live show on Facebook called “Admin Power in Sport” which empowers sport administrators and motivates players who want to be involved in sport behind the scenes.
What are some of your career highlights?
Taking the ladies rugby team to France and winning the Varsity Shield Rugby Games as well as hosting the final.
Which women in sport leadership inspire you and why?
Just to mention a few – Ilhaam Groenewald who is Chief Director at Maties Sport. She inspires me as she is always willing to mentor young talent and shares her knowledge on developing young talent.
Dumisani Chauke, who is HOD at TUT Sport (Garankuwa Campus). She is someone I played against on the netball court, but now look at where she is. She is an assistant coach of the Spar Proteas, and many can learn a lot from her leadership.
What would you say makes a good leader?
Being able to give clear communication and knowledge to the people we lead.
Also, being able to listen, take advice and not always give out instructions.
Lastly, learn from different people and ask for guidance.
As we honour Youth Month, what is your message to the youth?
Always follow your dreams! When you are passionate about something, don’t stop until you get to where you want to be.
Lastly, when it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered as in the sport space?
I would like to be remembered as a woman who has played a vital role in the development of players during my career. A person who had a positive impact in young talent.
Photo 1 Caption: University of Fort Hare Sport Officer Mihlali Rodolo wants to be remembered for playing a vital role in the development of young talent as she drives women’s rugby at varsity level. Photo: Supplied
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