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Copper Queens captain, Barbra Banda, has won the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship title with her teammates.
She was shortlisted with her teammate, Rachel Kundananji, for the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
Banda had been outstanding for her club Orlando Pride, helping them secure the NWSL Shield and reach the playoffs final in the United States.
She scored 19 goals (16 in the regular season and three in the playoffs) and provided seven assists (six regular seasons, one playoff), playing a key role in the club’s record-breaking season.
Read more: Copper Queen players, Banda, Kundananji vie for CAF women’s player of the year
Meanwhile, Banda scored the only goal for Orlando Pride in their 1-0 win over Washington Spirit to secure Pride’s first-ever NWSL Championship title.
Banda’s 37th minute strike proved the difference as Pride defeated the Trinity Rodman inspired Spirit at the CPKC Stadium to add to the 2024 NWSL shield for the Florida-based club.
Banda’s arrival at Orlando Pride earlier this season injected a new level of energy and talent into the team that did not make the playoffs in 2023. The former Shanghai Shengli striker scored 17 goals and had seven assists in 25 matches for Pride.
“This award goes to Orlando Pride, thank you very much, everybody,” Banda screamed after she was named the 2024 NWSL Championship Most Valuable Player.
Banda’s countrymate Grace Chanda was also recognised at the championship ceremony as she walked to the podium to receive the winners’ medal.
The midfielder was signed earlier this season but sat out the matches due to injury.
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