Barbra Banda gets all-clear after injury lay-off

Zambia women’s national team has received a big boost ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals, following the return of captain Barbra Banda from injury.

The striker has received a clean bill of health at her American side Orlando Pride, making her eligible for the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.

The news we’ve all waited for 👏

Barbra Banda has been removed from the Season Ending Injury list. She will be available for selection for the Pride’s Home Opener against Seattle Reign on Sunday, Mar. 15.

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 13, 2026

A fit-again skipper is also what the Copper Queens need ahead of the WAFCON finals scheduled from July 15 to August 16, 2026.

Orlando Pride release statement on Barbra Banda

In a statement, the NWSL club confirms the return of Barbra Banda, eight months after she suffered the career-threatening hip abductor injury.

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

“Orlando Pride announced today that forward Barbra Banda has been removed from the Season Ending Injury list,” reads the statement.

“Banda will be made available for selection in the Pride’s upcoming home opener, presented by Orlando Health, against Seattle Reign FC. That match is set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 14 at Inter&Co Stadium.”

How good was the Zambia women’s team captain?

The 26-year-old 2024-2025 Ballon d’Or nominee went on to miss matches for the Copper Queens and Pride.

The Zambian scored eight goals in 16 appearances for Pride before she picked the injury at a time she ranked among the NWSL’s top 10 scorers.

Before getting injured, the Copper Queens star was named the 2024 NWSL Championship Most Valuable Player after leading Pride to the league title.

During that campaign, the 2024-2025 CAF Best Women’s Football Player of the Year became the first Pride player and first African ever to record a hat trick in a league match against Utah Royals.

Banda was also named to the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for a second consecutive season. Other accolades for the Zambian include being named BBC Woman Footballer of the Year 2024.

The forward has led the Copper Queens to major tournaments such as the WAFCON finals and Olympic Games.