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Temwa Chawinga was a proven goal scorer before she joined National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Kansas City Current in January.

She made 83 goals in 84 games for Wuhan Jianghan University F.C. in the Chinese Super League in four seasons. And before that, she netted a staggering 55 goals for Kvarnsvedens IK in Sweden between 2017 and 2019.

Internationally, Chawinga won the Golden Boot at the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship scoring nine times.

But upon arriving in the NWSL, Chawinga has exceeded expectations further enhancing her status as one of the top markswomen in football.

On Saturday, she scored her 19th goal of the regular season as the Current defeated Bay F.C. 1-0. That goal put her one ahead of the previous record of 18 set by Australian Sam Kerr during the 2019 regular season.

Chawinga’s goals have come in 24 games, meaning she has averaged a strike every 109 minutes. With two more games left, she could extend her record.

The 26-year-old has also scored against 12 different opposing teams. She’ll set another record should she score against San Diego Wave FC.  A goal there would give her at least one goal against 13 teams.

Additionally, Chawinga boasts the longest scoring streak in league history. She scored in eight straight NWSL matches between June 9 and September 7.

Aside from scoring, Chawinga has also contributed six assists, adding to her all-round game. These exploits have helped her side to fourth in the NWSL standings and guaranteed a first-ever home playoff match in the 2024 NWSL postseason.

Chawinga has made her case to be rated as one of the best signings of the season having joined the club on a free transfer in January.

While Chawinga has rewritten the record books and grabbed the headlines, there are other African players who have made their mark in the NWSL after joining this year.

Zambian forward Barbra Banda helped her club, Orlando Pride, win the 2024 NWSL Shield, for finishing the regular season with the best record. It is the club’s first such title.

Banda, who has scored 13 goals, could break legendary Brazilian Marta’s record for most goals scored by a Pride player in a single season (13).

Banda arrived at the club in March for a club record fee of 740,000 U.S. dollars. It is also the second-most expensive women’s transfer in history.

Another Zambian, Rachael Kundananji, joined Bay FC for a world record fee in February but has struggled to find consistency, despite a fast start, scoring just three goals.

Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, a Champions League winner, was also signed by Bay FC and has fared better than Kundananji, scoring seven times.

(Story compiled with assistance from wire reports)