African Stars Leading the Race for NWSL MVP

• by Melanie Bush
• Dustin Markland/Getty Images - PHOTO
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Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga Shine as African Women's Football Rises 

The 2024 NWSL season has been electrified by two standout players from Africa: Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga. Both players have been pivotal for their respective teams and are currently leading the charge for MVP honors. As their talents continue to shine, these African stars are also showcasing the growing depth of talent in African women's football, signaling a major shift in global perception.

Banda vs. Chawinga: The Race for MVP

Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga have put up impressive stats this season, making the MVP debate increasingly exciting. Here's how they compare:

Barbra Banda (Zambia, NWSL 2024) Banda has been a lethal force in front of goal, netting 12 goals with an expected goals (xG) value of 11.4. On average, she takes her shots from 14.5 yards out, and with 77 total shots in her arsenal, her ability to convert chances has been remarkable. Her xG per shot is 0.15, showing she is making the most of high-pressure opportunities. Known for her right-foot dominance, Banda's agility, speed, and finishing have made her one of the league’s most feared attackers.

Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, NWSL 2024) Chawinga, representing Malawi, has outscored Banda by a slight margin with 15 goals and an xG of 14.5 Chawinga’s attacking prowess comes from her exceptional positioning, averaging shots from 14.1 yards. With 88 total shots, she has proven to be a consistent threat in front of goal.

 Her xG per shot stands at 0.16, indicating her capacity to take quality chances. Like Banda, she excels with her right foot but is just as dangerous with her head, netting 9 goals from headers this season.

African Talent on the Rise

The stellar performances of Banda and Chawinga aren’t happening in a vacuum. Over the past few years, African women’s football has been making significant strides, both in terms of player development and international recognition. Their performances, along with some of the top transfers this season, signal the growing influence of African players on the global stage.

Top 3 African Transfers in NWSL (2024):

1. Barbra Banda (Zambia) – Moved to NWSL from Shanghai Shengli Banda’s transfer to the NWSL is a testament to the league’s increasing attraction to global talent, particularly from Africa. After lighting up the Chinese league, Banda has brought her goal-scoring prowess to the U.S., where she is making a strong case for the MVP title.

2. Temwa Chawinga (Malawi) – Joined NWSL after a successful stint in Sweden Chawinga’s journey from the Swedish Damallsvenskan to the NWSL highlights the diverse pathways African players are taking to reach the top. Her consistent goal-scoring and dominant play have made her an invaluable asset for her team and a contender for MVP.

 3. Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa) – Signed with Racing Louisville = Kgatlana, one of the most talented African players, has had a significant impact since her transfer to the NWSL. Known for her explosive pace and dribbling ability, Kgatlana adds to the growing list of African players making waves in the league. While not directly in the MVP race this season, her arrival is yet another example of Africa's rising football talent.

What This Means for African Women’s Football

The growing number of African players in leagues like the NWSL is a sign of the continent’s football evolution. Historically, African women’s football has struggled with limited infrastructure, fewer opportunities, and a lack of investment compared to European and North American counterparts. However, these challenges are now being met with resilience and talent.

 The success of players like Banda, Chawinga, and Kgatlana reflects an exciting shift. African players are now not just participating in the world’s top leagues—they are leading them. The rise of African women in football is also sparking more international interest in African leagues and competitions, driving both player development and visibility.

Conclusion

The 2024 NWSL MVP race between Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga is not just about individual accolades—it’s a broader reflection of the growing influence of African women’s football. Their presence, along with the rise of African transfers to top leagues, underscores Africa's growing status as a talent hub for the global game. As more players break into top-tier leagues, it’s clear that African women’s football is on an upward trajectory, with exciting prospects for the future.

Questions to Consider:

1. Could the dominance of Banda and Chawinga lead to increased scouting in African women’s leagues?

2. How will the rise of African players affect the development of women’s football on the continent?

3. Will we see more NWSL teams investing in African talent going forward?

4. What challenges do African women face when transitioning to major leagues like the NWSL?

5. Could one of these African stars win the NWSL MVP and cement a lasting legacy in the league?

Mandarin / 汉语