Zambia Women’s National Team striker Racheal Kundananji has arrived in California to begin her journey with Bay FC, despite the uncertainty surrounding her debut in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
There were concerns that her debut for Bay FC might be delayed owing to injury, but things appear to be going well, despite neither the Zambian medical team nor the club updating on her condition.
Last month, the 23-year-old seemed to be significantly injured as she was carried off the pitch on a stretcher in the 60th minute of Zambia’s 3-3 draw with Ghana at the Levy Mwanawnsa Stadium in Ndola.
Kundananji scored the only goal in Zambia’s 1-0 first-leg triumph over Ghana, helping the Copper Queens advance to the final round of the qualifiers, where they will meet Morocco next month despite being held at home in the second leg by Ghana.
Bay FC, who are set to play their first-ever NWSL match on March 18, 2024, recently acquired Kundananji from Madrid CF for over $788,00, the largest transfer fee in women’s football history.
On Wednesday, the former Indeni Roses attacker landed in California to a thunderous welcome from the club’s fans and officials, who are hoping their record signing is fit to hit the ground running.
Bay FC will kick off their debut campaign away to Angel City at the BMO stadium in Los Angeles but it remains unclear if Kundananji is fit to play.
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