Malawian Temwa Chawinga receives award

Malawi women’s football superstar Temwa Chawinga has won an award in the United States. The latest accolade follows her continued exploits for Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

The striker was named Kansas City Sports Commission’s Children’s Mercy Athlete of the Year in recognition of her stellar performances for Current FC.

The 2025 Ballon D’Or nominee shrugged off competition from other athletes, including team-mates to win the award.

“Congratulations to Temwa TC6 Chawinga on her Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation award,” her club wrote on its Facebook page. The Malawian has since reacted to her latest recognition, describing it as a motivation to work harder.

Each year, the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation honors outstanding individuals for their commitment to and achievement in sports.

The commission’s president and CEO, Kathy Nelson, said they organized the awards to recognize exceptional individuals.

“As Kansas City continues to generate unprecedented excitement for its national and international sporting events, these honorees represent the best of our local sporting community. Together, these individuals and their organizations play a critical role driving fan engagement, awareness and opportunity for Kansas City,” she told the commission’s media.

Chawinga also won the NWSL Player of the Month award for May 2025.

She is the current NWSL’s leading scorer with 10 goals in 15 games.