How Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji Made History with Record-Breaking Transfers

By Newsroom

Administrator

Posted: August 8, 2024 at 10:53 am, Updated: August 8, 2024 at 10:53 am

Zambian midfielder Racheal Kundananji celebrates at the Paris Olympics as Barbra Banda faces the crowd. (Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images)

Key Points

Zambian soccer stars Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji have set new records with transfers to U.S. clubs, becoming the most expensive female transfers in history with fees of $740,000 and $860,000, respectively.
Both players gained international acclaim during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Banda scored three goals in Zambia’s opener and netted a hat trick against China, while Kundananji scored a crucial goal against China, showcasing their exceptional talent.
The success of Banda and Kundananji reflects the significant progress in Zambian women’s soccer, driven by efforts from key figures like Brenda Kunda and Football Association of Zambia President Andrew Kamanga, who improved funding and support for the women’s game.

Zambian Stars Shine Bright: How Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji Made History with Record-Breaking Transfers

Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, two trailblazing Zambian soccer players, have made headlines with record-breaking transfers to the United States. Their rise reflects a story of perseverance and breakthroughs in African women’s soccer.

In a dramatic moment at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 19-year-old Racheal Kundananji scored a crucial goal against China, and Barbra Banda netted three times in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

This performance came after Banda had scored three goals in Zambia’s opener against the Netherlands, setting an Olympic record for back-to-back hat tricks.

The two players have continued to make waves. In early 2024, Banda and Kundananji became the most expensive female transfers in history, with fees of $740,000 and $860,000, respectively.

Their moves to U.S. clubs Bay United and Orlando Pride shattered previous records and highlighted the growing recognition of women’s soccer.

Zambia’s women’s team did not gain international attention until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Their journey to global prominence has been marked by remarkable growth, driven by investment and determination from key figures like Brenda Kunda.

Kunda’s efforts, backed by the Football Association of Zambia’s president, Andrew Kamanga, transformed women’s soccer in the country by improving funding and conditions.

Barbra Banda’s path to stardom began in the impoverished community of Mtendere in Lusaka.

Despite early challenges, she overcame obstacles with the support of her family and went on to shine internationally.

Banda’s skills were evident in her youth, though she faced setbacks, including a hamstring injury and eligibility issues during the 2018 Africa Cup.

Racheal Kundananji’s rise was less straightforward. Initially, she struggled to gain recognition but was saved by former national team manager Besa Chibwe.

Chibwe’s belief in Kundananji’s potential proved pivotal, leading to her standout performances.

The turning point for Zambian women’s soccer came in 2016. Kunda, alongside Kamanga, worked tirelessly to boost the women’s game.

Their strategic planning and participation in international tournaments marked a significant improvement from the previous administration, which had left the women’s team with minimal support.

Despite facing challenges, including controversial gender verification policies by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Banda and Kundananji have excelled.

Their performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to News Line Magazine, further solidified their status, with Banda scoring two hat tricks and Kundananji contributing two goals.

Their success is not just personal but also serves as inspiration for many young African girls.

Mulenga Kapwepwe, a Zambian author and activist, praised their achievements, emphasising the impact they have on encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams in soccer.

Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji’s remarkable journey from Zambia to international soccer stardom highlights the potential of African women in the sport.