Isabella Ludwig announced herself in style on her full debut for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, scoring in the opening minutes to help her side secure a commanding 2-0 victory over the University of Cape Town (UCT) at the Kopano Astroturf Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The win marks the third consecutive triumph for the reigning Hollywoodbets Super League champions, who continue to blaze a flawless trail at the start of the 2025 season.
All eyes were on the 22-year-old midfielder, who was making her first start in the famous yellow and blue. Ludwig wasted no time stamping her authority, calmly slotting home in the 6th minute to open her account for Banyana Ba Style and give supporters a glimpse of what was to come.
Just two minutes later, it was business as usual for Boitumelo Rabale, who doubled the lead with a confident finish. The Lesotho international, now on a three-game scoring streak, continued to prove why she remains one of the most lethal attackers in the league.
With two early goals in the bag, Sundowns Ladies managed the game with poise and professionalism, keeping UCT at bay while maintaining their third straight clean sheet of the campaign.
Before the victory over UCT, Sundowns edged UWC 1-0 and brushed aside JVW FC 2-0, showcasing their well-balanced mix of attacking flair and defensive discipline.
Reflecting on the performance, Oratile Mokwena commended the team’s composure and execution:
“The game went very well and I am grateful for the three points. We took our chances when they came and that was the difference. In the second half, we created more opportunities and stayed disciplined — overall, a great team performance.”
Goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija, who played a key role in maintaining another clean sheet, also shared her thoughts:
“I am happy with the clean sheet — that is three in a row now. We defended well as a unit and credit to the attackers for giving us that early cushion. It helps us at the back when the team starts strong. Everyone stuck to the game plan, communicated well, and showed discipline throughout. Clean sheets are a team effort and I am proud of how we are building momentum together. We want to keep this defensive standard high as the season progresses.”
Up next, Sundowns Ladies return home to face newcomers Ezemvelo WFC from KwaZulu-Natal at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 19 April at 15h00.
