US-based Malawi female football star Temwa Chawinga’s market value has doubled to $300 000 (about K525.3 million) following her exploits in her debut season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
According to a market value update released by the US women’s top-flight league, the Scorchers forward is ranked third behind Sophia Smith of Portland Thorns, who tops the list at $380 000 (about K665.38 million) while Trinity Rodman of Washington Spirit is second at $350 000 (about K612.85 million).
Temwa is the most valued African player on the top 10 list while Nigerian record Africa Woman Footballer of the Year Award winner Asisat Oshoala comes fifth at $280 000 (about K490.28 million) while Zambian Barbara Banda of Orlando Pride is sixth at $275 000 (about K481.53 million).
The 2023 overall world top scorer could not be reached for comment yesterday, but her manager Theana Msolomba said: “Temwa has proved her worth to any doubters. Some felt the Chinese Women’s League, where she previously played, wasn’t strong enough, but they are now appreciating her impact.”
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adellaide Migogo said in an interview yesterday that the rise reflects the player’s outstanding performance this season.
She said: “In her debut season, she has broken a number of records in the NWSL, including the all-time highest scorer in a season and scoring in eight consecutive matches.
“Temwa has taken women’s football in the States by storm and she is definitely the most sought-after player.
“We are very proud of her exploits as she continues to put Malawi on the map.”
Meanwhile, Temwa inspired her club Kansas City Current to the semi-finals of the NWSL Play-Offs when she scored the lone goal against North Carolina Courage.
She scored the priceless goal in the eighth minute and to spice it up, she was named player-of-the-match.
Temwa has now scored 18 goals in her last 16 matches in the league, play-offs, and Summer Cup.
