“I love scoring; it’s so special to score.” We wouldn’t be surprised if someone told us these words came from none other than Barbra Banda. In fact, she proved just how much she loves finding the back of the net by scoring 17 goals in her debut NWSL season. The Zambian forward fell just four goals short of surpassing KC Current’s Temwa Chawinga, who netted 21. Though Banda’s individual effort is undeniable and worthy of praise, she credits her success to her team—her “team of family,” mind you.

Having spent a few years in Zambia’s domestic scene with Green Buffaloes, followed by a stint at the Spanish side Logroño, and then three more years at Shanghai Shengli, Banda has gained significant international experience—all by the age of 24! To further test the waters, she arrived in the States last year, making her purpose to win and dominate clear. However, Banda believes none of this would have been possible without the support she received from Orlando Pride.

“I knew what I was coming for,” Banda said while speaking to ESPN’s Ali Krieger. Despite the challenges she faced in foreign leagues, the forward had a picture in mind that NWSL is no ordinary league. Be it players or teams, each aspect has a significant standard. So she considers herself lucky that she was able to get much-needed aid from her team and the technical staff.

“The moment I came, the welcome I received made me feel at home. During the training sessions, the players would help me to mingle with them, that family thing. It’s a team of family. We understand each other, we help each other, and that’s why I was so quick in adapting to the kind of football they want me to play for the team. It was amazing,” added Banda.

It wasn’t just the individual front that Banda was able to impress everyone. Her performances proved crucial in Orlando Pride to enjoy a successful season. They won the NWSL Sheild with a tally of 50 points, piping ahead of their arch-rivals, the Washington Spirit. Interestingly, similar opponents ended up challenging them in the NWSL Championship final as well. Fortunately, the Pride again prevailed with a narrow goal that came with the courtesy of the prolific Banda.

Having won both the Shield and the Championship, the two sides again faced each other in the NWSL Challenge Cup. This time, however, it was the Spirit’s day to outclass the Pride, fulfilling their revenge. Seb Hines and his squad initially were ahead in the 40th minute, thanks to Rafaelle Souza. However, Leicy Santos netted a vital equalizer in the 72nd minute, forcing the match into a penalty shootout, where the Spirit triumphed 4-2.

This was a game where Barbra Banda’s goal-scoring prowess remained silent. In fact, she was substituted just minutes before the final whistle. But fear not, not just the Zambian international, but even her teammates have things sorted things of the new campaign.

Barbra Banda and Orlando Pride’s 2025 NWSL objectives

The 24-year-old also expressed her wish to retain the NWSL crown for her team. Now Banda is aware that it won’t be an easy feat to achieve. But she insists everyone in the group is ready to give it their all. Emphasizing how preseason will determine their overall outcome for the season, Barbra said, “We expect tough games, you know they won’t be easy, and we can’t beat every team, [but] it’s a matter of us being focused, working hard to continue where we ended off. We need to step up from there.”

Everybody knows Banda’s goals extend beyond helping her team maintain dominance; the striker is eager to challenge her own goal-scoring numbers for the season, right of the bat. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, she acknowledged that her success is a collective effort, stating, “Teamwork matters, and these goals that come are from the team; it’s not by myself.”

Determined to stay motivated and push herself further, Banda stressed the need for strong team coordination heading into 2025. She reinforced her belief in her squad’s ability, adding, “Everybody can score, and we believe and trust in each and every one of our team.”

Looks like Barbra Banda has found her cognisance for the 2025 NWSL season: onwards and upwards!