Scorchers deputy captain Temwa Chawinga is vying for her second Most Valuable Player award in her second National Women’s Soccer League season in the USA after being nominated alongside four other players for the accolade.

Chawinga has established herself as a prominent name in the league after claiming back-to-back Golden Boot awards, netting 15 goals this season despite struggling with injuries.

She set a record as the fastest-ever player to reach 30 league goals in just 41 games and also led the league in goal involvement. Her three assists took her tally to 18 goal contributions—three better than her closest competitor.

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She helped Kansas City Current win their first-ever NWSL Shield, but her absence dealt the team a significant blow as they were knocked out of the Championship Cup.

Chawinga has been nominated alongside her teammate Bia Zaneratto, who was also prolific in front of goal for KC Current. Other nominees include Esther González Rodríguez, who pushed Chawinga in the Golden Boot race with 13 goals and one assist; Delphine Cascarino, who recorded 15 goal involvements for San Diego Wave; and Manaka Matsukubo, who hit double figures in goals for North Carolina Courage.

Chawinga won the MVP and Golden Boot awards last year after netting a remarkable 20 goals, setting and breaking extraordinary records in her debut season.

The 2023 World’s top scorer has had a wonderful year, finishing 17th in the Ballon d’Or voting and earning nominations for African Women’s Player of the Year and the FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year award.