Temwa Chawinga didn't exactly sneak into the NWSL. The forward of Kansas City Current zoomed to the top of the scoring chart during the first season, and her 20 goals in 25 matches equated to a shattered single-season goal record for the league. On the field, Chawinga made the impossible look routine. No surprise, then that she's taking home the 2024 Golden Boot as the league's top scorer.
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Chawinga: A Name to Remember
Then, at 26, the Malawian put her country on the NWSL map while becoming the first Africa-born player to win the league's golden boot. A historic achievement that catapulted Chawinga to a new stratum and has just begun its journey into the league. While netting 20 goals in one season is not a record, it's a statement. Chawinga went beyond just the numbers, changed how the Current play, and made sure everyone knew this team is here to compete.
From the moment she stepped onto the pitch, Chawinga showed she was here for business. In a league where goals are so hard to come by, she sparkled-finding space and creating chances where others saw obstacles. Even with tight defenses shadowing every step she took, she managed to keep up a pace few could match.
Consistency That Inspires and Amazes
Consistency is a rare gift in the competitive league that is the NWSL. But Chawinga bucked that unwritten rule to kick her season off with four goals in the first two months. By the time the Olympic break was over, she was running neck-and-neck with Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda. Then, over the course of the next seven games, Chawinga hit the gas: She added six more goals and tied Sam Kerr's previous record of 18 goals-three games ahead of schedule.
The following week, she scored the record-breaking goal and, to prove a point, added another against the San Diego Wave, becoming the first player in NWSL history to reach 20 goals. This record-breaking streak cemented her name and proved one thing-for Chawinga, limits are meant to be shattered.
What's more, Chawinga became the only player in the league's history to score against every team in one season. For a league with over 10 teams in it, that shines an even brighter light on her incredible feat.
Impact On and Off the Field
What made the season so special for Chawinga was not the record alone but how she had achieved it. Having contributed to 26 goals in the season with goals and assists, she was not playing for herself but was a vital piece in her team. She scored twice in important matches, such as the Summer Cup Championship to seal the first-ever trophy for Kansas City Current.
Chawinga's appearance is a new wave in the NWSL. Players are more diverse, and she inspires a number of them from different roots. Her work outside the pitch gives more limelight to the league as it also proves the ground where international stars can produce excellent performances.
Chawinga in the Playoffs: The Next Mission
After all, with Kansas City Current moving into the playoffs, there is still one more mission from Chawinga. This Saturday, November 9, the Current take on North Carolina Courage in a high-stakes showdown. If Chawinga is on the pitch, Kansas City is in great shape. Consistently coming up big with gamewinning plays-either with one touch or by weaving through defenders-puts her in a singular position: she may be the missing piece this Current team needs to go deep into the playoffs.
At Kansas City Current, while expecting both the energy of the fans and Chawinga's talent to keep pushing them forward, the first game will also be at home. She changes the dynamic of the game; thus, commanding respect from teams. With her in attack, the backline of the opposing team can never be relaxed, which creates more chances for the rest of the lineup.