Joins club on a $700K transfer from Bay FC
By Lesley Ryder
The Chicago Stars have their first signing of the Vlatko Andonovski era.
Zambian forward Rachael Kundananji is the first brick in what is expected to be a major rebuild by Chicago’s new Chief Soccer Officer, Vlatko Andonovski. She joined Bay FC ahead of their inaugural season in 2024, and is the club’s leading scorer with 12 goals and 11 assists in 63 matches.
"Racheal is a proven goal scorer and a fierce competitor, and we’re thrilled to add a player of her quality to our roster,” said Andonovski in the team’s press 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 Chicago Stars have inked Kundananji through 2027, in exchange for $700,000 in intra-league transfer funds.
Rachael Kundananji takes on Stars defender Sam Staab at Chicago’s Wrigley Field (Photo: Emily Anderson)
Chicago Stars FC’s newest forward has been a key piece of the Zambian national team picture since 2018. Kundananji scored her first Olympic goal and assist at age 19 in the Tokyo 2021 games. She notched another goal in the group stage at the team’s first World Cup appearance in 2023, and two more goals in the Paris 2024 Olympic games.
Behold.
“Joining a historic club like the Chicago Stars is an incredible honor,” said Kundananji in the team’s press release. “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.”
Rachael Kundunanji’s attacking know-how will undoubtedly boost Chicago’s anemic offense. If you need a sense of just what she can do on the ball, just take a look at her final goal for Bay FC against Orlando.
The Stars’ new forward is with Zambia this international window as they battle through qualifiers for the 2028 Olympics. The club expects she will join in time for their next home match on October 18 vs. Seattle Reign. Kickoff for the match will be 6PM Central Time.