Mjuwa’s firm decisions on the soccer pitch earn her respect
Rendani 'Mjuwa' Muronga has become one of the most trusted referees of the Makhado Local Football Association and the Safa Vhembe SAB League.
LIMPOPO – While most of her peers preferred to play it safe in terms of career choices, the 30-year-old Rendani ‘Mjuwa’ Muronga, a resident of Tshikwarani village in the Kutama area, has chosen to dive into the deep end by becoming a soccer referee – and a well-respected one at that.
Mjuwa, as she is known by soccer players and fans because of her firm decisions on the pitch, used to play for the Maisa Rainbow Ladies team between 2002 and 2010.
“After my stint at Rainbow, I did not want to stay idle, so I trained on my own to make sure I’m always fit. I got involved in several sporting codes, but soccer remained. I kept watching soccer matches, because I knew in my heart that one day I would get a chance to display my skills,” she said.
Her dream came true in 2016 when she heard that the local soccer league needed candidates to become referees. “I took the bull by the horns and told myself that it was the right time to realise my potential.”
She has become one of the most trusted referees of the Makhado Local Football Association and the Safa Vhembe SAB League, having officiated many games, including local leagues and competitions.
Mjuwa says she is happy that men do not look down on her, as she is in control of the matches.
“I make sure that I adhere to all the rules, and this earns a lot of respect for me on the pitch. The fact that I’m a woman does not get in the way of my authority on the pitch.”
She singled out the PSL female soccer referee, Akhona Makalima as her role model, and says her dream extends to officiating in the Premier Soccer League in the near future.
