Barbra Banda discusses return from injury for Orlando Pride

Zambia national women’s team striker Barbra Banda was elated to make a comeback from a lengthy injury lay-off with a goal for Orlando Pride in America on Sunday.

The hosts lost 1-2 to Settle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match, but there was a positive feeling for the Pride family to see the Copper Queens captain back in action for the first time since 16 August 2025.

 

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Banda shrugged off her markers on the left, then burst into the box before finishing with a low right-footed effort for the equaliser at Inter & Co Stadium.

The 2024-2025 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year pulled Pride FC level after midfielder Jess Fishlock had put Reign FC ahead in the 24th minute. The visitors scored the winner through Brittany Ratcliffe with seven minutes to the full time of the NWSL match.

Orlando Pride need to pull their stockings

“First game of the season, it didn’t go our way, but I think we played well as a team and it’s a lesson for us going into the next game,” Banda told Orlando Pride website.

“We know the league is very tough, so we need to pull up our stockings and hoping for the next game we need to get the maximum three points.”

On returning from injury and scoring a goal, Banda said: “It feels good. Been out for a long time and my first game, and scoring on my first game, that gives me a go-ahead into the next game also to work hard and keep on scoring. I miss scoring, so I want to keep on scoring.”

On her emotions returning to play, the Copper Queens captain said: “I think it’s the trust from the team and everyone. Coming back from the injury and finding myself in the lineup.

“I think that keeps me moving and to work extra hard because it’s a game of competition and everyone’s fighting for your number. Each and every time you need to up your game.”

Banda had good momentum playing

Orlando Pride coach Seb Hines shade more light on the performance of Banda. She said: “She scored a couple of goals in preseason. The last two games, I think she scored two goals, so she had good momentum playing in a different position, as well.

“At TCU, she was a striker and she’s evolved her game to play as more of a winger. You know, versatile, playing inside, playing on the outside, and at times being up front with Barbra [Banda] and I thought she was a constant threat.

“To say it was her debut, you wouldn’t even have recognised that, so credit to her. It’s a tough environment, especially if you’re a young player, coming here and you know the expectations are high.

“The league is relentless, regardless of who you would play, so for a lot of them, you know, they’ve got their feet wet and now they have to progress in the right way, and I know they will do.”

A fit-again skipper is also what Zambia needs ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled from July 15 to August 16, 2026.

The one-time FIFA Best Women’s Footballer of the Year nominee was out of action for eight months. Banda had picked the injury during a draw against Malawian Temwa Chawinga-led Kansas City on August 16, 2025.

The Zambian had scored eight goals in 16 appearances for Pride before she picked the injury. More goals will be expected from Banda when Pride return to action on Friday to host Denver Summit FC.