by Emmanuel Faith (31/10/24)
Above: Zambia’s power duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji pose in front of their compatriots after a match between Bay FC and Orlando Pride. Photo: Fervora on Twitter.
The home fans went crazy when the Malawian striker, Temwa Chawinga scored her 20th goal of the season. It was record-breaking as it meant she had now scored against all the clubs she played against in the regular season, something that has never happened in the history of the NWSL. This isn’t the only record an African has broken this season. There are a lot more.
Africans rejoiced with brimming glee when the Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji joined Bay FC. In a transfer that made her become the most expensive women’s footballer in history, the former Madrid CFF star cost Bay FC $860,000. Her compatriot Barbra Banda followed suit, joining Orlando Pride from Shanghai Shengli for another huge sum – $740,000, the second-largest transfer fee in NWSL history at that moment.
To have the two most expensive players come from the African continent was a remarkable feat. Beyond these mega transfers, there was the influx of other notable names, like the six-times African Player of the year, Asisat Oshoala who moved to Bay FC, South Africa’s midfield maestro, Linda Mothalo came over to Racing Louisville, and her compatriot, Hilda Magaia joined KC Current alongside Temwa Chawinga.
It was a strategic aggregation of talents with immense impact.
Africans didn’t just make up the numbers, their impact was indelible. Nigeria’s winger, Uchenna Kanu scored the fastest and earliest brace in the history of the NWSL against Portland Thorns on 30th March 2024.
Malawian attacker, Temwa Chawinga broke the goal-scoring record after hitting her 20th goal, breaking the record of 18 goals set by Matildas talisman, Sam Kerr in 2019. The African striker has been compared consistently to the Australian superstar who smashed different records including being the top goal-scorer for three consecutive seasons between 2017 and 2019. Chawinga also set a new record of scoring against all the 13 teams she played against.
Banda also follows closely on all notable metrics with 13 goals and six assists in 25 matches. She also ties with Chawinga in number of shots attempted (80) and was crucial to Orlando Pride winning their first shield in 12 years.
Beyond goal-scoring and attacking records, there is an aggregation of fans coming together and more connection formed between supporters and players. This was in full display when Orlando Pride played Bay FC this season, as Zambians flocked to take pictures with both Kundananji and Banda after the match.
A similar scenario happened when Bay FC faced Houston Dash, earlier in the season as Nigerians poured out to celebrate their players, Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie.
A couple of Africans have nicked the playoff spot, and a more will be hoping for some last match day miracle, whatever the outcomes of the last matches are, NWSL fans won’t forget the regular season in a long while, thanks to the Africans who lit up the league with the flair, their talent and their bedazzling brilliance.
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