Former United States Women’s National Team (USMNT) star Darian Jenkins believes that no player in world football can stop Copper Queens striker Barbra Banda at the moment. The sports pundit gave a resounding response when asked if the Orlando Pride striker could be kept at bay.
The Zambian forward has continued to set the American topflight alight with her spectacular performances for Orlando Pride FC. She has already become a talismanic figure for the Florida-based outfit, barely a month after making her debut.
Banda has notched six league goals in as many appearances since making her debut against San Diego Wave FC in late April. She took her tally to six goals on Monday morning after scoring a brace in Orlando Pride’s 3-2 win over Seattle Reign FC.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side’s investment seems to be paying off, as they currently occupy the top spot in the standings with 24 points from 10 games. They are also yet to taste defeat in the American topflight this season.
“We knew what we were getting here and that was an area that we needed to invest in. And so it’s lovely to see that she [Barbra Banda] is fit in right at home this early in the season,” Orlando Pride coach Seb Hines told reporters after Sunday’s match.
‘Barbra is unstoppable’ – Jenkins
Meanwhile, speaking via CBS Sports’ Attacking Third show, former USWNT and Orland Pride striker Darian Jenkins asserted that no player is capable of stopping Barbra right now.
“No one’s able to stop Barbra Banda at this point,” Jenkins confessed.
Banda has been unplayable for club and country in the last 12 months. The forward was at the double in her most recent game for the Copper Queens, who overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Morocco to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
The striker is no stranger to the Olympics, as she became the first player to score back-to-back hat-tricks at the last edition of the quadriennial showpiece. Despite Zambia ranking way below the United States, Germany, and Australia in Group B at the next edition, opposition defenders will definitely be wary of Barbra Banda.
