Barbra Banda will remain with Orlando Pride through the 2029 National Women’s Soccer League season after the club announced a new long-term contract Monday for the Zambian international forward.
Banda said she feels at home in Orlando and wants to continue pursuing trophies 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.
Banda made an immediate impact
Banda’s first season with Orlando Pride included 13 goals, six assists, an NWSL Best XI First Team selection and BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year honors. She helped Orlando Pride win the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in the same season in 2024. Banda also received the NWSL Championship MVP award after scoring the game-winning goal.
“But I think when I go back to 2024, we really did well, and the teamwork that we had, the spirit we played with,” Banda said. “I believe we still have a great team, and we still want to win more trophies together. So it’s very important the way we are coordinating now as a team, and hoping for the best in the future.”
Record-setting 2026 season
Banda has scored 41 goals in 62 games across all competitions over the past two seasons and change. After missing half of the 2025 season, she has scored 16 goals through 20 matches in 2026. That total broke Orlando Pride’s club record of 13 goals in a season, which Banda set in 2024 and shared with Marta’s 2017 debut season for the Pride.
Banda’s scoring pace has put her in the NWSL Golden Boot race. She credited her teammates, staff and the club’s supporters for helping her improve and maintain her level of play. “Everyone encourages each other. They never let you down, and they always push you. We believe in each other,” Banda said.
Banda wants more trophies with Orlando Pride
Banda said the competitiveness of the NWSL has helped her improve. She also said the support around Orlando Pride has made her comfortable in Orlando and praised the atmosphere at Inter&Co Stadium, where the club plays its home matches.
“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, because they always show up for our games. So we are always fighting for them.”
Banda said she remains focused on winning more with Orlando Pride. “The future is bright,” Banda 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. I’m just there for the team and everyone around.”
Source: Original report