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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Banda signed a four-year contract with Pride</li><li>Will earn approximately $2.1 million</li><li>Geared up to join her new teammates in the USA</li></ul>

VIDEO: Barbra Banda is here! Zambian superstar gets incredible airport welcome from Orlando Pride fans following big-money NWSL move

NWSL

Orlando Pride

North Carolina Courage

A massive chunk of Pride fans drove down to the southeast of Downtown Orlando in Florida to the international airport to welcome the newest superstar of the club. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/orlando-pride-zambian-star-barbra-banda-nwsl-set-to-historic-transfer/blt78ea4ee02833e5f4#cs3dee4ff973f1aa35" target="_blank">Signed for a reported fee of $740,000 (£582498.40)</a>, plus another $75,000 in possible add-ons from Chinese outfit Shanghai Shengli, the forward is already geared up to live up to the hype.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A sea of fans, mostly in Zambian colours, were spotted cheering for Banda as she made her way out of the terminal of the airport. A club representative was also present at the airport, who shared a warm embrace to welcome her at her new home.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Barbra Banda was welcomed with love and song upon touching down in Orlando. 💜 Welcome Home, Barbra! <a href="https://t.co/G123TnsdTW">pic.twitter.com/G123TnsdTW</a>— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSL/status/1780281072321720603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WATCH THE CLIP

Banda is eager to hit the ground running after scoring twice in the second leg of Zambia's victory over Morocco, which earned her nation a spot in the Olympics.“I think the league is quite good. I’ve been following it from way back,” she said. “I think it’s a very interesting league, very strong. All the teams are very physical, and fast. So I think it’s good for me to improve.”

WHAT BANDA SAID

Banda joins a stellar star cast at Pride which includes the six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta, Brazilian forward Adriana and midfielder Angelina. The side remains unbeaten in NWSL this season after three draws and one victory against the Utah Royals.The striker is focused on producing the goods as quickly as possible and is determined to keep finding the net in her new surroundings.“I love scoring,” she said. “So that’s what matters most. I have to get chances and utilize my chances that I’ll have in terms of scoring.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Banda might make her debut against San Diego Wave on April 19 in the NWSL. Orlando Pride are sitting fifth in the standings after four games, four points behind leaders KC Current.

WHAT NEXT?

VIDEO: Barbra Banda is here! Zambian superstar gets incredible airport welcome by Orlando Pride fans following big-money NWSL move | Goal.com US

Barbra Banda was given a rousing welcome by hundreds of Orlando Pride fans after she touched down on US soil following her big-money NWSL transfer.

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