After going viral in the United States for performing a skill synonymous with South African legend Jomo, the world's most expensive women's footballer has now revealed how she was inspired by Mzansi's kasi flavour. Here's a look!
The story
In February 2024, Zambian women's footballer Racheal Kundananji became the most expensive signing in women's football history when she completed a deal worth $860,000 (R14.9 million) from Spanish giants Madrid CFF to Bay FC in the US.
Moreover, the move made her the first African player, female or male, to hold a world record transfer.
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Kundananji made headlines again this past weekend, as she netted a stunning brace to hand Bay FC a 3-2 victory over Houston Dash, securing a first-ever playoff spot in the US National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
Remarkably, the 24-year-old also became the first Bay FC player to score a brace, as it is the California outfit's debut season in the NWSL.
Piece of cake for Racheal Kundananji ?? pic.twitter.com/wsMX3X9lOI
— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) November 3, 2024
Despite these impressive feats by the Zambian, it was her trickery with the ball at her feet that has seen her go viral.
Kundananji left many stunned when she stood on the ball before going on to beat her opponents with absolute ease, sending them to the floor.
The skill is famous in South Africa, and its popularity is widely attributed to Jomo Sono during his heyday.
In more recent years, Orlando Pirates maestro Patrick Maswanganyi has added the move to his long list of tricks.
Racheal Kundananji's got the movesss ?? pic.twitter.com/3ASOkCKb91
— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) November 3, 2024
Speaking to ESPN about what inspired her to perform the move, Kundananji was very clear about where she first saw the extravagant skill.
"You know, I usually watch, I used to watch some videos from South African ghetto games where they play in a field where there's no grass and everything.
"They're playing soccer and they're just doing different types of styles. So I copied this one and I was like, I'll surely do it one day.
"And before the game, I told my teammates that I'm going to do a style today that I've been wanting to do while we are leading. So that's how I went up to do that."
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