'I'm Here to Stay': Barbra Banda Excited to Continue Journey with Orlando Pride
NWSL Orlando Pride

'I'm Here to Stay': Barbra Banda Excited to Continue Journey with Orlando Pride

Published on September 16, 2026 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Orlando Pride News Release


Orlando, Florida, may be almost 8,000 miles from Barbra Banda's home country of Zambia, but the Orlando Pride forward feels right at home in the City Beautiful.

On Monday, the Pride announced a new long-term contract for the Zambian international forward, keeping her in purple through the 2029 NWSL season.

"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. "I'm always happy with the teammates and everyone around the staff. It just makes me feel at home and relaxed, very comfortable, and I just love being around everyone here."

It's been that way since the moment she arrived. Banda's first season in Orlando remains one of the best debut campaigns the league has seen: 13 goals, six assists, an NWSL Best XI First Team nod and BBC Women's Footballer of the Year honors, all while leading the attack that delivered Orlando's first NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in the same season, capping it off with a Championship MVP award after scoring the game-winning goal. Even for a player used to scoring at every stop of her career, that first year in Orlando stood apart.

"Honestly, I came in, I knew it was a tough league and a lot of expectations," Banda said. "But I think when I go back to 2024, we really did well, and the teamwork that we had, the spirit we played with. 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."

Joining the Club at 24 years old, Banda has now gone on to score 41 goals in 62 games played across all competitions over the past two seasons and change. It's made her one of the most prolific strikers in league history, a league that Banda has continued to learn from every year.

"Honestly, 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," Banda 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, and you have to be smart at the end of the day. I feel I've learned a lot, and I've improved myself in so many ways. And, not forgetting my teammates, who have helped me to improve, and the technical staff as well. I can feel it myself, this level, it's different."

After missing half of the 2025 season, Banda has come back in 2026 on a mission. She has scored 16 goals through 20 matches this season, breaking the Club record of 13 she set back in 2024 and shared with Marta's 2017 debut season for the Pride. That pace has also put her square in the NWSL's Golden Boot race. Through all of her success, however, she still gives credit to all the players around her that have helped her get to that level.

"I think they've really helped me so much because honestly, being around my team, it's the best thing that I've ever had," Banda said. "Everyone encourages each other. They never let you down, and they always push you. We believe in each other."

While her teammates have given her much on the field, Banda also loves the atmosphere at Inter.co Stadium and the fans that cheer her on every game.

"It means a lot because I think they give us so much motivation," she 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."

With her long-term future now settled, Banda is eager to continue chasing more success with the 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."

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