Barbra Banda: The Key to Orlando Pride's NWSL Dynasty Aspirations

01.04.2025 | Football DNA

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has seen many stars rise, but few have made as immediate and transformative an impact as Barbra Banda. The Zambian striker, who was named MVP of the 2024 NWSL championship match, has seamlessly transitioned into her second season, continuing to deliver the performances that have set the Orlando Pride on course for another title run.

A Historic First Season

Banda’s debut season with the Orlando Pride was nothing short of spectacular. After joining the club for a record-breaking transfer fee, she played a pivotal role in leading the team to their first-ever NWSL championship and the coveted NWSL Shield. Her influence on the pitch and her leadership off it have turned Orlando from perennial underdogs into genuine title contenders.

“The offseason was short, but I tried to spend much of my time with my family, and everyone at home back in Zambia,” Banda shared. “They were so excited about [my success], there’s been so much encouragement. The Zambian people are so happy and proud of us.”

Building a Winning Culture

Historically, the Orlando Pride had struggled to find consistency, despite boasting rosters that featured stars like Alex Morgan and Ali Krieger. The club often found itself languishing at the bottom of the standings. However, under the leadership of head coach Seb Hines, a new culture of resilience and determination has emerged.

“The culture that Seb has created—if you have a good culture, you can win games even when you don’t deserve to because you have people who have your back,” Pride defender Carson Pickett noted.

Banda’s arrival in 2024 was the final piece of the puzzle. Her presence on the field has forced opposing teams to rethink their defensive strategies. Former Orlando Pride player and NWSL analyst Darian Jenkins summed it up best: “Barbra Banda is one of those generational players who takes your team from great to unstoppable.”

A Star Among Stars

The Pride’s squad is not short on talent. With Brazilian legend Marta still playing a crucial role and young defensive standout Emily Sams making waves, Banda fits seamlessly into a well-rounded team. Her ability to not only score goals but also create opportunities for her teammates makes her an indispensable asset.

“As a defender, we’re constantly trying to anticipate what attackers are doing,” Gotham FC’s Tierna Davidson explained. “Banda has a lot of really great skills in her locker. Even if you anticipate what she’s going to do, sometimes she still manages to do it.”

In her debut season, Banda played 22 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists—making her the second-highest scorer in the league behind MVP winner Temwa Chawinga. However, it’s not just her goal-scoring ability that sets her apart.

“It frustrates me when she’s minimized to just her speed and physicality,” Jenkins continued. “It’s her tactical movement, her cheekiness 1-v-1, her unselfishness, her vision, her resilience, and her work rate. She’s unstoppable.”

The Road Ahead

The 2025 season has already started on a high note for Banda and the Pride. With two goals and an assist in the first three matches, she is once again proving why she is one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. The Pride currently sit at the top of the standings with nine points from three matches, but the competition remains fierce, with the Kansas City Current matching them in points.

Even when Orlando doesn’t dominate on the stat sheet, their grit and resilience allow them to grind out victories. A prime example was their 2-0 win against Gotham FC, where they capitalized on key moments despite being outplayed in possession and shots.

“We knew that it was going to be a tough game, but we set our standards and our tone high,” Banda said. “It’s very important for us to get three points away.”

As the season progresses, maintaining their championship-winning form will require the entire squad to step up. Banda is well aware of the challenges ahead.

“It’s very different from one season to the next,” she said. “We expect tough games, but we still want to maintain the same tone we left on last season.”

With Banda leading the charge, Orlando Pride fans have every reason to believe that their team is not just a one-season wonder but a budding dynasty in the making.

Credit: Jenna Tonelli