In a season filled with incredible storylines and breakout performances, one player has captured the imagination of fans across the NWSL like no other – Temwa Chawinga. The Malawi international forward has taken the league by storm in her debut campaign, shattering records and propelling Kansas City Current to new heights. Her sensational haul of 20 goals is a new NWSL single season record, surpassing the previous mark of 18 set by Australia’s Sam Kerr.
From Malawi to Missouri: Chawinga’s Meteoric Rise
Chawinga’s journey to the top of the NWSL scoring charts is a remarkable one. Hailing from the small East African nation of Malawi, the 24-year-old striker began her professional career in Sweden before catching the eye of Kansas City Current. The ambitious NWSL expansion club made Chawinga their marquee signing ahead of the 2024 season, and she has more than repaid their faith.
Temwa is a special player. Her pace, power and finishing ability make her a nightmare for any defense. We knew she had the potential to be a star in this league, and she’s exceeded even our high expectations.
Kansas City Current head coach Matt Potter
Record-Breaking Regular Season
Chawinga wasted no time announcing herself to the NWSL, netting a debut goal just 10 minutes into Kansas City’s season opener. But that was just the beginning of her record-breaking exploits:
- First player to score against all 13 NWSL teams in a single season
- Fastest to 10 goals (8 games) and 15 goals (14 games) in league history
- 9 multi-goal games, including two hat-tricks
- Directly involved in 65% of Kansas City’s league-leading 57 goals
Chawinga’s scintillating form earned her back-to-back NWSL Player of the Month awards in June and July. She also claimed the league’s Golden Boot with four games to spare. Her 20 goals came from just 71 shots, highlighting her incredible efficiency in front of goal.
Leading Current’s Playoff Charge
Chawinga’s goals have been the driving force behind Kansas City Current’s impressive regular season. The club, in just their second NWSL campaign, secured a playoff berth with ease thanks to their prolific Malawian marksman. Current finished third in the standings, booking a mouth-watering postseason clash with experienced contenders North Carolina Courage.
With Chawinga in red-hot form, Kansas City will fancy their chances of making a deep playoff run. The forward’s pace in behind and lethal finishing could prove the difference in tight knockout games. Current fans are dreaming of a first-ever NWSL Championship, and Chawinga is undoubtedly the key to making that a reality.
Inspiring a Generation
Chawinga’s record-breaking exploits are about more than just personal accolades or team success. As an African player excelling on the biggest stage in women’s club soccer, she is providing inspiration to countless aspiring female footballers across the continent.
Temwa is proving that African women can compete with and outperform the very best in world football. She is paving the way for more girls to chase their dreams and helping put African women’s soccer on the map.
Malawi WNT head coach MacNelbert Kazuwa
With the 2024 Olympics and 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon, Chawinga’s star shows no signs of waning. Her record-breaking NWSL season is just the latest chapter in her rapidly growing legend. As she prepares to spearhead Kansas City Current’s playoff charge, one thing is clear – we are witnessing the rise of a true African soccer icon in Temwa Chawinga.
