Zambian midfielder, Chanda, joins Banda at Orlando Pride on a two-year deal

Zambian international midfielder, Grace Chanda, has signed a two-year contract with American side Orlando Pride, joining from Spanish top-flight club Madrid CFF.

Chanda will join her Copper Queens teammate Barbra Banda at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) table-topping side on a free transfer.

The midfielder would officially join the Pride following Zambia’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

According to the club’s website, Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Haley Carter, confirmed the development.

“Grace had a breakout year in 2022, proving what she is capable of, and we’ve had our eye on her since the buildup to the Women’s World Cup last summer,” Carter said.

“While she navigated tremendous adversity this past year off the field, she has come out of it even stronger and is ready to make an impact. We are excited to bring her to Orlando and are confident in the quality and depth she will add to our midfield and attack.

Chanda offered added versatility, speed, and technical skill and was tenacity and joy personified on the pitch.

“We look forward to her arrival and getting her settled in the City Beautiful and can’t wait to see her in purple!”

Chanda expressed her excitement about joining the Pride.

“I am extremely excited to join Orlando. It is a great club where I will be able to play alongside amazing players like Marta and Barbra,” Chanda said.

“This is a very important step in my life because I have always wanted to play in the NWSL, one of the best leagues in the world. I hope I can adapt quickly so that I can help my teammates and the club achieve greater things together. I’m looking forward to this amazing journey of my life.”

In 2022, Chanda signed with BIIK Kazygurt of the Kazakhstan Championship and scored a hat-trick in her UEFA Women’s Champions League debut, leading the club to a 5–1 victory on August 18, 2022.

She was the first Zambian women’s footballer to appear in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

A month later, she signed with Madrid CFF in Spain’s top division, Liga F, on a two-year contract.

She finished the 2022-23 season playing in 26 matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists, helping Madrid finish fifth in the standings

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