Barbra Banda seals second-biggest women’s transfer

Orlando Pride has secured the services of Zambia’s star forward, Barbra Banda, in the second-most expensive women’s soccer transfer in history.

The 23-year-old has joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club for an impressive $740,000 (£581,000) from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli.

This move comes on the heels of another historic transfer, where Zambia teammate Racheal Kundananji was acquired by Bay FC for a world-record $860,000 (£685,000) just last month.

Zambia football in the last month!

Women’s World-record $860,000 paid for 🇿🇲 Racheal Kundananji(BayFC)

Second-most expensive women’s transfer($740,000) in history paid for 🇿🇲Barbra Banda(Orlando Pride)

Impressive👏👏 pic.twitter.com/yhZNJW4dFC

— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) March 8, 2024

Banda, known for her prolific goal-scoring prowess, has signed a four-year deal with Orlando Pride, making her one of the highest-paid players in the NWSL. The deal also includes a strategic sell-on clause for any potential future transfers involving Banda.

“I am very excited to join Orlando Pride. It’s a great club, and I love what they’re building,” said Banda. “The NWSL is one of the most competitive and strongest leagues in the world, so it’s very humbling to get a chance to play in it. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and start working with them. I hope to help the team achieve great things and win a lot of trophies together.”

Banda, who scored an impressive 41 goals in 52 appearances for Shanghai Shengli, gained global recognition as the first female player to score successive hat-tricks at the 2021 Olympic Games against the Netherlands and China.

It’s official my new home for the next four years is @ORLPride in the @NWSL

Can’t wait for this new adventure to begin. #VamosOrlando #BB11 #BlessedChild pic.twitter.com/TRubLWpkQ0

— Barbra Banda (@BarbraBanda11) March 8, 2024

Orlando Pride owner and chairman Mark Wilf expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “Barbra Banda brings a new level of technical skill, physicality, and pace to our attack, and she is an exciting and entertaining addition to our roster. Our fans have much to look forward to as we prepare to kick off the regular season.”

Banda’s recent standout performance also includes leading Zambia’s Copper Queens to victory against Ghana in the third round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers for the Women’s football tournament.

The team is now set to face Morocco in the final round, determining their fate in the prestigious competition.