KUNDANANJI SEALS K18.2M MOVE TO CHICAGO STARS
Zambia Copper Queens forward Racheal Kundananji has joined Chicago Stars FC from Bay FC in a deal involving US$700,000 (approximately K18.2 million) in intra-league transfer funds.
The Chicago-based National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club confirmed the acquisition on Friday, with Kundananji signing through the 2027 season.
The reported transfer amount converts to about K18.2 million using an illustrative exchange rate of K26 to US$1. The actual Kwacha equivalent will depend on the exchange rate applied to the transaction.
Kundananji becomes the first player signed under Chicago Stars’ new Chief Soccer Officer, Vlatko Andonovski, and will occupy an international roster spot.
“Racheal is a proven goal scorer and a fierce competitor, and we’re thrilled to add a player of her quality to our roster,” Andonovski said.
“Her accomplishments at the league and international levels are a testament to her standards and work ethic, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will make on our team as we build for 2027 and beyond.”
Kundananji also expressed excitement about joining the club, saying she was ready to work hard and contribute to the team’s ambitions.
“Joining a historic club like the Chicago Stars is an incredible honour. I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and work hard to help the team,” she said.
“I’m super excited and looking forward to meeting our amazing fans, and to give everything I have for this badge.”
Kundananji leaves Bay FC as their leading scorer
The 26-year-old joins Chicago after three seasons with Bay FC, where she became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 12 goals and 11 assists.
She made 63 regular-season appearances for Bay FC, starting 54 matches and accumulating 4,902 minutes. She also helped the club reach the NWSL playoffs during its inaugural season.
Before moving to the United States in 2024, Kundananji played for Madrid Club de Fútbol Femenino in Spain. She scored 25 league goals in 29 appearances during her first season, finishing second in the league’s scoring charts.
In the 2023–24 campaign, she registered eight goals and two assists in 14 appearances, including 11 starts.
A key figure for the Copper Queens
Kundananji made her senior international debut for Zambia in 2018 and has since established herself as one of the Copper Queens’ leading attacking players.
At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she started all three of Zambia’s matches and scored during the team’s historic 3-1 victory over Costa Rica, Zambia’s first win at the tournament.
She also helped Zambia qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, scoring twice against Australia during the group stage.
In 2025, Kundananji scored nine goals for the national team as Zambia reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
She continued to contribute in 2026, helping the Copper Queens win the Four Nations Tournament with a goal and an assist in the decisive match against Malawi. She also scored against Egypt in Zambia’s opening match at WAFCON 2026.
Olympic qualification remains Zambia’s immediate priority
Kundananji is currently with the Copper Queens as they pursue qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Zambia lost the first leg of their qualifying tie against Uganda 2-1, leaving the Copper Queens needing a comeback in the return fixture.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with kick-off set for 18:00.
After the international assignment, Kundananji is expected to join Chicago Stars for their penultimate home match of the season against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, 18 October.
Her move gives the Zambia international a fresh challenge in the NWSL as Chicago Stars begin building towards the 2027 season.
