Racheal Kundananji, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Zambia
Racheal Kundananji is a professional footballer who is currently playing with Bay FC and the Zambian National Women’s Football Team; the Copper Queens. As a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, she focuses on promoting HIV prevention and empowering youth, especially adolescent girls and young women.
Born on June 3, 2000, in Zambia, Kundananji has made significant strides in her career as a forward placing her as the current record holder of the fastest footballer in the last FIFA Womens World Cup 2023-speed-wise. Having emerged from Konkola Copper Blades Queens FC to Indeni Roses FC in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, her career includes standout seasons in Kazakhstan, as well as Madrid CFF; including a record-breaking transfer to Bay FC which marked her as the most expensive female soccer player in history.
In 2024, together with UNAIDS, Kundananji launched the "Kick for Greatness - The Kundananji Girl's Football Tournament" for high school and university girls. The initiative not only promotes football but also empowers young girls by providing opportunities to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams. She also aims to build a school of excellence in Chililabombwe, Zambia, with a state-of-the-art football pitch to help young people achieve their dreams through sport.
Kundananji's commitment to making a difference is deeply rooted in her own experiences. Growing up, she faced numerous challenges and is aware of the struggles many young girls in Zambia face. With 30 percent of girls getting pregnant before the age of 19 and a higher school dropout rate for girls compared to boys, she is determined to create change. Her focus includes championing a holistic approach to education, health, and economic needs through the Education Plus initiative.
Kundananji co-founded the Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation to leverage the power of sport to address critical issues such as gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and child marriage. The foundation underscores her commitment to empowering women and girls, tackling gender inequality, and advancing their rights and safety.
As a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Kundananji aims to raise awareness of the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. She focuses on reducing new HIV and STI infections among young people by advocating for increased school attendance and retention of young girls. Her efforts also include raising public awareness about the adverse effects of teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and child marriage. Additionally, she promotes the importance of knowing one's HIV status through testing and the availability of HIV prevention and treatment services, as well as creating demand for sexual reproductive health services among young people.
"Racheal couldn’t be more deserving of the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadorship as someone who brings constant positivity and relentless energy to improve herself on and off the pitch," said Bay FC Sporting Director Matt Potter. "Her position as a well-respected international football talent will allow her to utilize her platforms to promote healthy lifestyles and engage fans in the fight against HIV."
Racheal Kundananji's tireless efforts and remarkable achievements both on and off the field continue to inspire and drive progress in the global fight to end AIDS as a public health threat.