Ludwig: I Want To Play In The WAFCON

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Issabela Ludwig, in action for The Brazilians against TUT in the Hollywoodbets Super League Tshwane derby. Photo Cred: @issabellaludwig Instagram.

Issabela Ludwig, a standout midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, talks candidly to ShakingInk about her choice to leave the University of Pretoria in favor of cross-town rivals.

The 69-cm-tall midfielder claims that it was simple to decide to join The Brazilians. Ludwig disproved the idea that she would get little playing time if she joined a star-studded squad. Since then, the Tshwane native has solidified her position on coach Godfrey Sapula's team. 

"My decision stemmed from my desire for growth and ambition. I am incredibly thankful for my time at the University of Pretoria, which significantly contributed to my development both as a player and an individual. Nonetheless, I reached a stage in my career where I felt the need for a new challenge—an atmosphere that would require consistency, excellence, and accountability on a daily basis. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies is a club that establishes the benchmark in women's football, both within South Africa and across the continent. The chance to evolve in a high-performance, successful setting was an opportunity I could not let slip away." Said Ludwig

Playing for teams that are seeking Banyana Ba Style records is not the same as playing for serial league champions. Chasing early pacesetters and being in a dressing room discussing ways to distance oneself from the chasing pack are two realms she have lived in. Although Ludwig acknowledges that she had to adjust to her new surroundings at Chloorkop, she maintains that there is always pressure in football.

"The pressure is certainly altered, yet it’s a beneficial type of pressure. At Sundowns, victory is not a reward—it’s the standard. My initial campaign at Chloorkop has been challenging yet extremely fulfilling. Training sessions are extremely competitive, encouraging everyone to elevate their performance. Sitting at the top of the rankings means every team aspires to defeat you, leaving no space for complacency. It has shown me how to handle expectations, maintain concentration, and deliver consistently even when attention is directed wherever I’m required." Ludwig opened up. 

At Tuks, Ludwig and Thalea Smidt, her midfield partner, had formed a fantastic combination. People kept comparing the two's combination in the park to Orlando Pirates' Oupa Manyisa and Andile Jali. She and Smidt simply loved playing together, but Ludwig feels it is pleasant to be compared to Manyisa and Jali.

"It’s an incredible privilege and truly humbling. Thalea and I developed a solid bond through trust, dialogue, and investing significant time nurturing our relationship both on and off the field. Being compared to talents like Andile Jali and Oupa Manyisa is significant, as they embody football intelligence, balance, and synergy at the pinnacle of South African football. It inspires me to persist in my improvement and to foster solid relationships wherever I compete." Ludwig emphasized. 

The next Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) competition is the focus of the former Hollywoodbets COSAFA tournament player of the tournament. The 23-year-old claims that wearing her nation's colors is always an honor.

"Certainly. Playing for Banyana Banyana at WAFCON would be a fulfillment of a dream. Receiving the COSAFA Player of the Tournament accolade was a great honor, but I view it as motivation rather than an endpoint. I aim to keep delivering consistent performances at the club, enhancing my skills, and helping out wherever necessary. If the chance arises to represent my nation at WAFCON, I would accept it with pride and a sense of duty." Wrapped Ludwig. 

@Lamola_Herold