In a historic month for African women’s football, Zambian striker Barbra Banda fired the Orlando Pride to the NWSL Championship title, while Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga claimed the league’s MVP award after a record-breaking season with the Kansas City Current. The performances of these two stars in November showcased the immense talent and growing influence of African players on the global stage.
Banda’s Championship-Winning Heroics
Banda, who also won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in November, found her scoring touch at the perfect time, netting crucial goals in the Pride’s playoff run. The 22-year-old scored twice in the quarter-finals against the Chicago Red Stars before finding the back of the net in the semi-final victory over Chawinga’s Current.
In the championship game against the Washington Spirit, Banda delivered the decisive blow in the 37th minute. Drifting out to the right flank, she latched onto a long ball from teammate Angelina, cut inside, and drilled home the only goal of the match. Her tireless running and constant threat stretched the Spirit defense all game long.
I can’t even express how I feel right now. To score the winning goal in a final like this, it’s a dream come true. This is for all the young girls back home in Zambia who dare to dream big.
– Barbra Banda, Orlando Pride striker and NWSL Championship MVP
Chawinga’s Record-Breaking MVP Season
Meanwhile, Temwa Chawinga’s exploits with the Kansas City Current saw her become the first African player to win the NWSL MVP award. The 24-year-old Malawian striker broke Sam Kerr’s single-season scoring record, netting an incredible 20 goals in the regular season before adding another in the playoffs.
Chawinga’s goals propelled the Current to the NWSL semi-finals, where they fell to Banda’s Pride. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the final, Chawinga’s individual brilliance was recognized with the MVP honor, cementing her status as one of the world’s premier strikers.
This award is not just for me, but for all of Africa. I want to inspire more girls to believe in themselves and chase their dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
– Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current striker and NWSL MVP
The Rise of African Women’s Football
The accomplishments of Banda and Chawinga in November are a testament to the rapid growth and development of women’s football in Africa. As more players from the continent make their mark in top leagues around the world, they are inspiring the next generation of African girls to pursue their passion for the beautiful game.
Other African stars also shone brightly in November, with Nigeria’s Ifeoma Onumonu scoring regularly for both club and country, South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana leading Tigres UANL to the Liga MX Femenil Apertura final, and Zambia’s Rachel Kundananji making an instant impact in her debut season with Bay FC.
- Ifeoma Onumonu (Nigeria/Montpellier): 5 goals in November
- Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa/Tigres UANL): 3 goals in November
- Racheal Kundananji (Zambia/Bay FC): 2 playoff goals in debut NWSL season
As the women’s game continues to grow in popularity and professionalism across Africa, the continent’s rising stars are poised to make an even bigger impact on the global stage in the years to come. With role models like Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga leading the way, the future of African women’s football has never looked brighter.
