BANDA TARGETS MORE TROPHIES AT ORLANDO PRIDE AFTER CONTRACT RENEWAL
Zambian international forward Barbra Banda is targeting more trophies with Orlando Pride after signing a new long-term contract that will keep her at the club through the 2029 NWSL season.
The Pride announced the contract renewal on Monday, securing the services of the Copper Queens captain as she continues to build a successful career in Orlando.
Banda said she felt at home at the club and was excited to continue her journey with the Pride.
“I’m so excited because I feel at home when I’m here, and I feel like I’ve made this place my second home,” Banda told Orlando-Pride.com.
The Zambian forward has enjoyed a highly successful spell in Orlando since joining the club in 2024.
In her first season, Banda scored 13 goals and provided six assists, earned an NWSL Best XI First Team selection and was named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
She also helped Orlando win its first NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in the same season, scoring the winning goal in the championship match and being named Championship MVP.
Reflecting on that campaign, Banda said the teamwork and spirit within the squad were key to their success.
“Honestly, I came in, I knew it was a tough league and a lot of expectations. But I think when I go back to 2024, we really did well, and the teamwork that we had, the spirit we played with,” she said.
“I believe we still have a great team, and we still want to win more trophies together.”
Banda has since established herself among the league’s prolific forwards, scoring 41 goals in 62 appearances across all competitions over her time at the club.
After missing half of the 2025 season, she has returned strongly in 2026, scoring 16 goals in 20 matches and surpassing the club’s previous single-season record of 13 goals.
Her current scoring form has also placed her in contention for the NWSL Golden Boot.
Banda credited her teammates and coaching staff for helping her develop while competing in what she described as one of the world’s best leagues.
“I’ve learned a lot from this league. I would say it’s one of the best leagues in the world because the teams are so competitive, and you never go into a game relaxed,” she said.
“You need to up your game each and every time. You need to be mentally fit, physically fit. It’s a battle you need to win.”
The Copper Queens captain also praised the support she receives from Orlando’s fans, saying their presence provides motivation for the team.
“It means a lot because I think they give us so much motivation,” Banda said. “We are playing at our home and with our fans, it gives us the courage to keep on and to fight for them.”
With her future now secured, Banda has set her sights on adding more silverware to her Orlando career.
“The future is bright,” she said. “I still want to win more trophies and more things to come to this team, and I’m ready to fight for this club and everyone.”
