National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions Orlando Pride confirmed the signing of Copper Queens forward Prisca Chilufya from FC Juarez on Friday. The Florida-based outfit acquired the pacy winger from the Mexican club on a three-year deal at an undisclosed fee.
Her move to Orlando was necessitated by the departure of Brazilian forward Adriana to Saudi Arabia for a mouth-watering $500,000. Chilufya joins compatriots Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda at the club.
Following Chilufya’s acquisition, Chanda’s recuperation, and Marta’s contract extension, BolaNews explores the alternative attacking lineups Orlando Pride could use this season.
CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING
English tactician Seb Hines could maintain the frontline that propelled Pride to their maiden NWSL Shield and Championship titles. Julie Doyle and Ally Watt can be deployed on either wing, with playmaker Summer Yates an option out wide.
Expected to lead that attack is 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda, alongside Brazilian icon Marta.
REALISTIC
Having lost Adriana to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, Pride could throw Prisca Chilufya straight into the mix, starting her on the right wing. On the opposite flank, the NWSL champions could play Summer Yates, who registered five goals last year, or Julie Doyle, whose goal tally was two.
Marta, 38, will be pulling the strings in midfield to unleash the goalscoring phenomenon Barbra Banda.
ZAMBIAN TRIDENT
An attacking lineup that will get the Zambian faithful into seventh heaven is one that features the Copper Queens trio of Barbra Banda, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda.
On the left wing, Summer Yates, Julie Doyle, or Ally Watt will be in contention to start.
Endowed with explosive pace, menacing dribbling skill, and astounding crossing ability, Chilufya returned four goals and 10 assists after 18 games in Mexico this season. She starts on the right wing. And with Marta not getting any younger, Grace Chanda steps into the attacking midfield role, eager to impress Pride fans.
Missing just Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji, the Copper Queens’ fearsome attacking tetrad is nearly complete, with Barbra Banda leading the line.
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