‘She is a constant threat’ – Orlando Pride coach praises Barbra Banda after hat-trick

Photo Credit – Orlando Pride.

Orlando Pride coach Seb Hines has labelled Zambia international Barbra Banda as a constant threat, who has been waiting patiently to show off her full potential.

The Copper Queens captain celebrated her latest achievement after she scored the first-ever hat-trick in Orlando Pride’s history in the 3-1 away win over Utah Royals FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Saturday.

During the fixture at America First Field, Banda opened the scoring with only six minutes played before she added the second and third in the 37th and 38th minutes respectively. Brecken Mozingo had levelled matters for Utah Royals in the 14th minute but it was not enough to stop Banda from claiming the match ball.

Speaking afterwards, coach Hines told the club’s official website on Banda’s progress and the hat-trick: “She is a constant threat. It was three different types of goals which was pleasing to see. She has been waiting patiently and been getting half chances but no real clear-cut opportunities.

“I was really pleased with her and obviously it is the first hat trick in Pride history and that has been a long wait for that opportunity, but she took it well. Credit to her being patient and scoring the goals that we needed.”

On Banda’s first goal of the match, Hines explained: “It was a quality [first] goal. A breakaway with Ally [Watt] and she does a really good job of finding Barbra [Banda] and it was a quality finish from Barbra. To get that first goal is massive. I said that getting the three points was our priority but also needed to score the first goal.

“When you give up that first goal it’s always difficult and always a mountain to climb. When you give up that first goal you make it harder for ourselves that it then becomes a bigger task for us. I am really happy and really impressed with the team to come out of the gate really quickly and get that first goal.

“The disappointment is that we conceded so quickly after scoring that first goal. We wanted to get more goals, and we did that and capitalized on our opportunities and overall, I am happy with our performance.”

Banda’s display will be great news for Zambia as they prepare for friendly matches in South Africa against Banyana Banyana and Botswana.