Zambia Women’s National Team captain Barbra Banda has been named as the player of the month in the United States of America’s National Women’s Soccer League for the month of May.
This follows Banda’s impressive performance that saw her net seven goals and assist one on five matches helping Orlando Pride to five wins.
The Zambian international also earned a penalty converted by Brazilian international Adriana in the 1-0 win over Rachel Kundananji’s Bay FC.
The monthly accolade is presented by EA SPORTS.
Banda has exploded onto the scene in her first season in the NWSL, notching eight goals, seven of which came in the month of May, and two assists in seven matches played. The Copper Queen recorded three braces this past month, tying Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith for the league lead in braces. Banda also tied a Pride Club record for braces in a single season, previously set by teammate and fellow forward Marta in 2017.
The Zambian international has scored in five of her six starts this season and sits in second place on the golden boot standings via tiebreakers. Appearing in 515 minutes throughout the season, Banda has scored four of eight goals with her head. The four headed goals have already tied the Pride record for most headed goals by a single player all time.
Banda’s performance has helped the Pride to an undefeated start in the 2024 campaign which includes the Club’s current eight-game win streak, setting a new league record. Through Week 10, Orlando sits atop the league’s standings with 27 points in 11 matches.
The NWSL Player of the Month, presented by EA Sports, is selected each month of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league on a consistent basis, and the NWSL’s on-air broadcast talent.
