Orlando Pride have backed Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda, stating that some of the accolades she has been getting are long overdue. 

Despite being one of the most reliable performers for the Copper Queens and her prior clubs, Banda is only beginning to gain global notice in her first season with the Pride.

The Copper Queens skipper was recently voted BBC Player of the Year and is in contention to win African Player of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) gala next month.

This comes after she was nominated for the Ballon d’Or and named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship MVP. 

In a statement of solidarity, the Pride hailed Banda on her achievements.

“We are incredibly proud that Barbra has been voted as the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, one of many outstanding achievements she has accomplished during this historic 2024 season This accolade – one chosen exclusively by soccer fans from around the globe is a testament to the impact she has had on the women’s game, both on the field and off,” the club stated. 

Orlando Pride Honoured To Have Barbra Banda

The club stated that is honored to have Banda on their roster. 

“We are honored to have Barbra represent our Club, our fans and our community, and it fills us with great pride to see her impact recognized beyond the United States and the National Women’s Soccer League.

“Awards such as this, being named the NWSL Championship MVP and her recent Ballon d’Or nomination, are honors that have long been overdue though we know they will not be the last,” the statement read. 

The club described Banda, a former boxer as a role model. 

“Barbra is an incredible role model and advocate for soccer in Africa, and we have seen firsthand the influence that her achievements and philanthropy have had on young girls in Zambia, as well as the instant impact she has made on Orlando’s soccer community.

“We look forward to continuing to celebrate and support Barbra in all that she achieves.”