Racheal Kundananji Joins Chicago Stars FC From Bay FC in $700,000 Deal
Zambia national team forward Racheal Kundananji has joined Chicago Stars FC from Bay FC in a transfer that will keep her at the club through the 2027 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
Chicago Stars announced the acquisition in a deal worth $700,000 in intra-league transfer funds, with Kundananji occupying an international roster spot. She becomes the first player signed under the club’s new Chief Soccer Officer, Vlatko Andonovski.
“Racheal is a proven goal scorer and a fierce competitor, and we’re thrilled to add a player of her quality to our roster,” Andonovski 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 excitement about joining the club.
“Joining a historic club like the Chicago Stars is an incredible honor,” said Kundananji. “I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and work hard to help the team. I’m super excited and looking forward to meeting our amazing fans, and to give everything I have for this badge.”
The Zambian forward leaves Bay FC as the club’s all-time leading scorer, having recorded 12 goals and 11 assists in 63 regular-season appearances. She helped the team reach the NWSL playoffs during its inaugural season and made her league debut against Houston Dash on March 30, 2024.
Before moving to the United States, Kundananji played for Madrid Club de Fútbol Femenino, where she scored 25 league goals in her first season.
At international level, she has been a key figure for Zambia, scoring at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and netting twice against Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In 2025, she scored nine goals for the Copper Queens and helped the team reach the WAFCON quarterfinals.
Kundananji is currently with Zambia for the 2028 Olympic qualifiers against Uganda before joining Chicago for its home match against Seattle Reign FC on October 18.
