Malawi Women’s National Football Team striker Temwa Chawinga has intensified her chase for the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) golden boot award after she scored in Kansas City Current 4-1 victory over Portland Thorns Monday.
The lethal striker has taken her goal tally to nine in her debut season in the US and she is second on the top goal scorers’ chart, behind Zambian Barbara Banda of Orlando Pride and Sophia Smith of Thorns.
Temwa wrapped up the victory in the 47th minute of the match after LaBonta’s brace and Ballisager Pedersen’s goal.
Smith scored the face saver for the hosts as she took her goal tally to 10 this season.
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“Less than two minutes after the break, Chawinga dribbled through multiple Portland defenders and targeted the near post for a shot. Chawinga’s left footed effort beat Hogan, who was leaning the wrong way to give the Current [a] 4-0 lead,” Kansas website article reads.
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Temwa has scored for the second consecutive match after ending her five-match drought with a brace last week.
In an interview from her US base Monday, Temwa said the best is yet to come from her.
“I am really motivated to score more goals. Teammates have supported me very well since I joined the club. I have adapted very well to the weather conditions here; so, I hope to help the team win the title,” Temwa said.
While in China, Temwa helped her former club Wuhan Jiangda to win four consecutive titles.
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She had an incredible season last year, as she won three golden boot awards including scoring 30 goals in the league.
National Women’s Football Association Chairperson Adellaide Migogo heaped praise on the Scorchers’ star.
“It is good that all the players are doing well for their respective clubs. We hope they will transform the performance to their national team,’’ Migogo said.
Temwa scored nine goals as the Scorchers won the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa. She was also named player of the tournament.
The former DD Sunshine striker scored 63 goals for country and club last season.
Meanwhile, Scorchers’ coach Lovemore Fazili has described Temwa’s humility as key to her success.
“Much as everyone knows the hard working spirit in Temwa, the player is also very disciplined and humble. I worked with her for the first time in South Africa during the Women’s Cosafa Championship and I am amazed with her high level of discipline. She does not care who is coaching her but always listens to instructions and gives her all during matches,” Fazili said.
