Chicago Stars FC have signed Zambia international forward Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC in a $700,000 intra-league transfer, with the 26-year-old joining the club through the 2027 NWSL season.
The move, confirmed on 8 October 2026, makes Kundananji the first addition to Chicago’s squad under newly appointed chief soccer officer Vlatko Andonovski. She will occupy an international roster spot.
Kundananji leaves Bay FC after three seasons, having established herself as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 12 goals and 11 assists in 63 regular-season appearances.
Transfer Snapshot Racheal Kundananji
- Player: Racheal Kundananji
- Age: 26
- Nationality: Zambia
- Position: Forward
- Previous club: Bay FC
- New club: Chicago Stars FC
- Transfer type: Permanent
- Transfer fee: $700,000 in intra-league transfer funds
- Contract: Through the 2027 NWSL season
- Announcement date: 8 October 2026
- International roster spot: Yes
Chicago strengthen attack with Kundananji signing
Chicago have secured an experienced NWSL forward as they begin shaping their squad for the 2027 season.
Kundananji started 54 of her 63 regular-season appearances for Bay FC, playing 4,902 minutes. She also helped the California club reach the NWSL playoffs during its inaugural campaign in 2024.
Andonovski highlighted the Zambian’s goalscoring record and competitive qualities following the announcement.
“Racheal is a proven goal scorer and a fierce competitor, and we’re thrilled to add a player of her quality to our roster,” he 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 her enthusiasm about joining Chicago.
“Joining a historic club like the Chicago Stars is an incredible honor,” she said. “I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and work hard to help the team.”
From Madrid CFF to Bay FC
Before moving to the United States, Kundananji played for Madrid CFF in Spain between 2022 and 2024. She enjoyed an impressive debut season in Liga F, scoring 25 goals in 29 appearances to finish second in the league’s goalscoring standings.
Her performances included two-goal displays against Real Sociedad and Barcelona, as well as a hat-trick against Alhama CF.
During the first half of the 2023/24 season, she added eight goals and two assists in 14 appearances before joining Bay FC ahead of the 2024 NWSL campaign. Kundananji scored on her NWSL debut against Houston Dash on 30 March 2024 and subsequently became one of Bay FC’s most productive attacking players.
Her departure brings an end to a three-season spell with the club, while Chicago gain a forward with experience in both the Spanish and American top divisions.
Established international with Zambia
Kundananji has also been a prominent figure for the Zambia national team since making her senior international debut in 2018.
She represented Zambia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting all three group matches and scoring in the country’s historic 3-1 victory over Costa Rica, Zambia’s first win at a Women’s World Cup.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she scored twice against Australia during the group stage.
Kundananji continued her international contributions in 2025, scoring nine goals across five national-team call-ups, according to Chicago’s announcement.
In 2026, she helped Zambia win the Four Nations tournament, contributing a goal and an assist against Malawi, and also scored against Egypt at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
When will Kundananji join Chicago Stars?
Kundananji is currently on international duty with Zambia for an Olympic qualifying match against Uganda. She is expected to join Chicago ahead of their home fixture against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday 18 October.
The transfer gives Chicago an attacking addition for the closing stages of the 2026 NWSL season while also securing her services for the 2027 campaign.
Source: Chicago Stars
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