Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda arrived in Orlando on Sunday to officially join her new teammates.
She was welcomed by hundreds of Orlando Pride supporters, including members of the Black Swans and the local Zambian community.
Fresh from helping Zambia qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics with a brace in the second leg against Morocco, the rapid striker joins the Orlando Pride after signing a club-record contract in March.
The 24-year-old is the second Zambian to join an NWSL club after Racheal Kundananji, who plays for Bay FC.
Kundananji signed a record-breaking contract with Madrid CFF in February, which made her the world’s most expensive female footballer.
Banda will formally be introduced on Tuesday “in a hybrid press conference at INTER & Co Stadium,” the club announced.
Orlando Pride will be in action on Friday against San Diego Wave in the National Women’s League. It’s a home match that could see Banda make her debut for the Florida side.
They are currently fifth in the standings with six points, four behind leaders Kansas City Current after four games.
Banda’s arrival is a huge boost for Orlando, given her impressive goal-scoring record with her previous club and national team.
Her new coach, Hines Seb, will hope she brings more firepower when she teams up with Brazilian legend Marta, who has two goals this season.
