Malawian Women’s National Football Team superstar Temwa Chawinga continues to shine on the global scene with United Kingdom influential publication The Guardian naming her among the world’s top six female footballers.
The Guardian released its top annual rankings on Thursday where Temwa rose to position six in the world after being ranked on position 13 last year.
The United States of America-based Malawian is the only African female player in the top 10.
This was her first time to make the top 10 in the world.
- Advertisement -
“Eight of our judges voted Chawinga as their best player of the year and it would not be a shock to see her on number one in the future. This is our first in our top 10,” reported The Guardian, which put former African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Zambian Barbra Banda, on 14th position.
- Advertisement -
Temwa had an impressive record in the NWSL having retained the golden boot award with 15 goals and three assists for Kansas City Current.
She also became the first player to win the Most Valuable Player award for two consecutive years.
In an interview from her base, Temwa said she felt honoured and humbled with the recognition.
“It is not easy to be among the best players in the world. It shows that people out there are recognising my talent. This is a motivation to me,” she said.
- Advertisement -
A panel of 127 experts voted for the footballers.
The Scorchers vice-captain won the Player-of-the-Month awards in March and May to take her tally to five-becoming the first player to do so.
Last year, she was the first player to break several records including winning the top goal scorer award with 20 goals.
Temwa’s elder sister Tabitha, who plays for French side Olympique Lyonnais Women, has finished on position 39 in the world after an inconsistent performance this year which saw her scoring 12 goals for Lyon.
But Tabitha has started the season on a high having scored four goals and three assists.
Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya hailed the Chawinga sisters for their exploits.
“The two players have demonstrated consistency, talent and commitment to excellence. We are proud of them,” he said.
Barcelona forward and the reigning world best female player, Aitana Bonmati, was ranked number one with Arsenal and Spain forward Mariona Gardentey scooping second position.
Allesia Russo, who plays for Arsenal and England, finished third whereas Allexia Puttelas (Barcelona and Spain) and Hannah Hampton (Chelsea and England) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
The voting panel was the biggest ever and included names such as the outgoing Kansas coach Vlatko Andonovski, new OL Lyonnes coach Jonatan Giráldez, and Australia’s Joe Montemurro.
“But there are a whole host of new names offering their insights into this year’s list, including Arsenal’s Champions League winning head coach Renée Slegers, Canada’s Casey Stoney, the Germany assistant Maren Meinert and the man in charge of Bayern Munich’s women’s team, José Barcala.
