\n<\/p>\n
Kundananji’s success has required a few career steps.<\/p>\n
The first significant one was in 2019 with a transfer from Zambia’s Indeni Roses to BIIK Kazygurt, the biggest women’s club in Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n
It was a dramatic shift for the then 18-year-old, who was delighted to be earning a guaranteed $1,500 per month – with free accommodation included.<\/p>\n
She secured a move to Liga F side Eibar in 2021 before her abilities were spotted by Madrid CFF, and it is in the Spanish capital that Kundananji has really flourished.<\/p>\n
Fellow Zambia forward Prisca Chilufya is confident her team-mate can handle the pressure that will inevitably accompany her record price tag.<\/p>\n
“She’s very determined and very hard-working. That’s why she has been dominating in every league she has played in,” Chilufya told BBC Sport Africa.<\/p>\n
“She is someone you want on your team because she has a good heart and she also makes life easy on the pitch.”<\/p>\n
Chilufya is hopeful that Kundananji’s high-profile move to the USA will help to further the growth of women’s football in their homeland.<\/p>\n
“I think this news will be shocking to many because Zambia has never had any expensive players and women’s football is still developing in the country,” Chilufya said.<\/p>\n
“It’s amazing to know that Zambia has the most expensive player in the world. Players like Racheal have played a big role in inspiring people.”<\/p>\n
Although Kundananji has made history with her move, Atkins is expecting the world transfer record to tumble regularly in the coming years.<\/p>\n
“We’ve taken a big leap up now in the record, but that could easily be broken in the next six to 12 months,” Atkins said.<\/p>\n
“The NWSL is now reacting after perhaps realising it had slipped down the pecking order in terms of women’s leagues.”<\/p>\n
It is a huge move for Kundananji, who is swapping the 3,500-seater Estadio Fernando Torres in Madrid for the 18,000-capacity PayPal Park in San Jose.<\/p>\n
She admitted she will miss life in Spain but is relishing the prospect of proving herself in the NWSL.<\/p>\n
“My team-mates in Madrid have been my family and it was so difficult for me to make this decision,” Kundananji said.<\/p>\n
“I won’t put myself under pressure. My goal is to continue where I ended in Madrid and to achieve bigger things.<\/p>\n
“I’ll never give up because if I give up, I’ll disappoint the young girls who message me asking advice about how they can get the best out of themselves.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n