“My inspiration is Cristiano Ronaldo,” once said 15-year-old Lilian Mwenda, “but I also look up to Barbra Banda and [Racheal] Kundananji because they inspire me. They always work hard and reach high levels.” CR7 is the obvious name on everyone’s lips albeit male or female. However, when a young teenage girl from your own nation, who is also the youngest member of your female national team, has to say such words, then congratulations! You have successfully become a trailblazer of the women’s game in your country.

No wonder soccer is more than just a game—it turns fairy tale dreams into reality. And while the NWSL  superstar known for her golazos is already living the dream, a recent honor just made things even sweeter for her. The Zambian international is the latest to get featured on one of the United States landmark skyscrapers’ billboards. This came through a video shared by NWSL on its official Instagram page. “Hi, I’m Barbra Banda and I’m on Times Square,” introduces the forward herself in the beginning. 

The 24-year-old visited the Great White Way along with her fellow Pride and Zambian teammates Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya. Interestingly, the trio’s reaction was shared in the clip after seeing a graphic that read, “NWSL is back,” with Banda being featured on it. “It’s my first time being here and seeing this beautiful sight is so exciting,” said the forward. 

Further expressing her delight over making the billboards, she added, “Seeing myself here at Times Square is a personal achievement. I’m so excited; so happy to be on the billboard there. My mom and my Zambian people are proud of myself.” The video concluded with Banda, alongside Chanda and Chilufya, shouting, “Zambia ku chalo! Zambia to Times Square! Zambia to the world!”

Though Banda’s graphic has been running in New York’s Times Square for quite some time, this was the first time she was able to witness it live, standing in front of the billboard herself. In fact, to recall, a USA-based Zambian journalist Moses Kuwema earlier shared a picture of himself posing in front of the huge billboard on social media. 

Additionally, the journalist expressed pride in seeing her nation’s star player being a face of the NWSL, that too, in such an iconic place. “A Zambia ku chalo historic moment I couldn’t miss. Barbra Banda is in New York City,” wrote Kuwema alongside the picture. 

Notably, Banda isn’t alone; the NWSL has created similar graphics for their other star players. One of them was also shared by the Chicago Stars, as their star player, Julio Grosso, also made it to the Times Square billboard. 

Either way, it still doesn’t undermine what it means for Zamba, as she certainly looks happy. In fact, it marks quite a historic moment, not just for her but for her nation as well. Surely, that would motivate her to further excel in her game; perhaps excel in a feat that currently she’s facing a lot of challenges in? 

Barbra Banda gets NWSL top scorer warning

Last year, the Zambian international finished the season as the second top scorer of the league with a whopping 17 goals. Ahead of her was Temwa Chawinga, as the Malawian and KC Current star clinched the honor with a tally of 24. Will she be able to get to the top this time?

Barbra Banda is again facing a head-to-head battle for the top scorer spot. Alongside Chawinga, Washington Spirit forward Ashley Hatch is also challenging each other for a similar feat. This only makes it difficult for Banda to ply her trade for the feat, even though she trails behind them with a difference of a single goal. 

But the talking point remains that if Orlando Pride star wishes to top the goal-scoring charts this season’s NWSL campaign, an extra effort would be required from her to achieve the same. Then again, the good thing is that the season has just started. This makes it easier for her to know her rivals beforehand and then keep scoring goals game after game. 

For now, she can enjoy the milestone of making to Times Square!