Zambia’s Olympic soccer team suffered a devastating 6-5 defeat against Australia, despite leading for most of the match. Racheal Kundananji, who scored two goals, expressed disappointment in the team’s lack of concentration and communication which led to their loss. Despite their entertaining style of play that produced 36 goals in five matches, Zambia once again failed to secure a victory against a top team. Kundananji admitted that they needed to work on their defending to improve results in the future.
The match against Australia saw Kundananji shining alongside her attacking partner and team captain Barbra Banda. Banda, who made history at the 2020 Olympic Games by scoring back-to-back hat-tricks, assisted Kundananji in the game. The two players have a strong connection on the field and understand each other’s movements, contributing to their success in attack. Despite not participating in the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Kundananji has still managed to make a name for herself in the sport.
Kundananji’s move to Bay FC in the U.S. for a record transfer fee of $788,000 has brought new challenges and opportunities. While initially feeling the pressure of her price tag, she now feels motivated by the club’s investment in her. Playing in the National Women’s Soccer League has exposed her to a higher level of professionalism and facilities compared to her previous experiences in Europe and Africa. Kundananji praises the American soccer structure as ‘fantastic’ and emphasizes the need for similar investment in women’s soccer in Zambia.
The gap between club soccer in Zambia and top leagues like the NWSL is significant, with limited development opportunities back home. Kundananji believes that exposure to international competitions like the Olympics can help local players secure contracts with professional clubs abroad. She acknowledges the progress made in women’s soccer in Zambia over the past few years, thanks to government support and sponsorships. Kundananji aims to inspire young girls in rural areas through her foundation, providing them with access to sports and education opportunities.
Kundananji’s rise to stardom serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring female footballers in Zambia. With her foundation, she hopes to empower young girls who lack basic equipment and resources, similar to her own upbringing. By showcasing her journey from the Copperbelt province to playing for top clubs in the U.S., Kundananji encourages girls across Zambia to dream big and work hard towards achieving their goals in sports and beyond. Her partnership with Banda on the field and her advocacy off the field cement her status as a role model and hero for girls in the country.
