Chicago Stars Acquire Zambia Forward Racheal Kundananji

BANNOCKBURN, IL — Chicago Stars FC added an experienced international goal scorer Thursday, acquiring Zambia national team forward Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC in exchange for $700,000 in intra-league transfer funds.

Kundananji joins Chicago through the 2027 National Women's Soccer League season and will occupy an international roster spot. She is the club's first roster addition under new Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski, according to the Stars' 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," Andonovski said in the release. "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."

The acquisition comes as Chicago prepares for another season on the North Shore, with home matches at Northwestern University and a performance center planned for Bannockburn.

Bay FC's Leading Scorer

Kundananji spent three seasons with Bay FC and helped the club reach the NWSL playoffs during its inaugural season in 2024.

She recorded 12 goals and 11 assists in 63 regular-season appearances, including 54 starts, becoming Bay FC’s all-time scoring leader. She scored in her NWSL debut against the Houston Dash on March 30, 2024.

Before joining Bay FC, Kundananji played for Madrid CFF in Spain from 2022 to 2024. She scored 25 goals in 29 appearances during her first season, finishing second in the league in goals. She added eight goals and two assists in 14 appearances during the 2023-24 season.

"Joining a historic club like the Chicago Stars is an incredible honor," Kundananji said in the announcement. "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."

World Cup, Olympic Experience

Kundananji made her senior international debut for Zambia in 2018.

She started all three of Zambia’s matches during its first Women's World Cup appearance in 2023 and scored in the team’s first tournament victory, a 3-1 win over Costa Rica.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she scored twice against Australia during the group stage. She also helped Zambia reach the quarterfinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2025.

Kundananji is currently with Zambia for an Olympic qualifying match against Uganda. The Stars said she will then join Chicago for its Oct. 18 home match against Seattle Reign FC, scheduled for 6 p.m.

Building Toward 2027

As Patch previously reported, the Stars plan to open a performance center in Bannockburn in 2027. The 10-acre site will serve as the hub for team operations and include two full-size soccer fields, a goalkeeper-specific field and a 45,000-square-foot building with training and recovery spaces.

Chicago will also keep Northwestern's Martin Stadium in Evanston as its home field for all 15 league home matches in 2027.

The club recently announced it will make its Coachella Valley Invitational debut during the 2027 preseason at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

Previous Coverage

• Chicago Stars To Make Coachella Valley Invitational Debut In 2027
• Chicago Stars To Keep Playing Home Matches At Northwestern In 2027
• Chicago Stars FC Building Player-Centric Performance Center In Bannockburn