Hayes Praises Zambia's Barbra Banda Ahead of Olympic Clash

20.07.2024 | Football in my DNA

U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes knows the challenge her side will face in Zambia’s star striker, Barbra Banda. Banda has taken the NWSL by storm in her first season, with the Orlando Pride star currently tied for the league’s Golden Boot lead, having netted 12 goals in just 12 games.

With the NWSL on hiatus due to the upcoming Olympics, the USWNT is set to open the tournament against Banda’s Zambia side on July 25. Speaking to ex-USWNT star Sam Mewis on stage for an interview with The Women’s Game, Hayes said Banda is the best striker in the world right now, making sure to add that last caveat in deference to her former star player at Chelsea.

“Zambia on form probably have the best striker in the world right now, banging in the goals — I say on form because I never want Sammy Kerr to phone me up later and remind me, which she will I might add, no matter the hour,” Hayes said with a laugh.

“With Zambia, you have a team that will play less progressive passes, i.e., control the game in a certain way. But if you play man-for-man all over the pitch against them, it’s going to be a difficult game,” the coach added.

“Their ability to transition is better than any team I’ve seen in world football. We’ve been watching them, unbelievable their ability to go from back to front. So for us, structure becomes essential. That becomes the bedrock, what we do in possession and how we’re thinking about what happens when there is a turnover to be able to get those things right.”

Zambia will also face Australia on Sunday, July 28, before closing their group stage campaign against Germany on Wednesday, July 31. The USWNT will need to be at their best to manage Banda and the Copper Queens’ dynamic style of play.