Orlando Pleasure striker Barbra Banda has stated taking part in alongside her childhood idol Marta is a “dream come true” and pushes her to be one of the best model of herself.
Banda grew to become teammates with Marta after becoming a member of Pleasure for a near-record payment of $740,000 in March from Chinese language Tremendous League workforce Shanghai Shengli. The duo’s exploits fired Pleasure into the playoffs because the No. 1 seed and noticed them named on the NWSL MVP shortlist.
The Zambia worldwide completed second within the race for the Golden Boot with 13 targets within the common season, whereas Marta is having fun with her best-ever season for Pleasure with 9 targets and an help this season. The 39-year-old has additionally been nominated for the newly created midfielder of the yr award.
“It is one thing [playing with Marta] that to me, is a dream come true as a result of I’ve at all times been trying as much as Marta since I used to be younger,” Banda stated on Futbol W after ending third on ESPN FC Girls’s Rank.
“So taking part in alongside her, it is actually motivates me. The encouragement that she offers to me … she at all times pushes me. She at all times tries to encourage me to do proper and to be one of the best. So I believe on my aspect, I really feel I am in secure arms with Orlando and the teammates. It is a workforce that encourages, a workforce that desires to push each other. So it is crucial for me.”
In a yr that seen her develop into one of many best-paid gamers within the NWSL and characterize Zambia on the Paris Olympics, Banda stated profitable the Defend with Pleasure has been her spotlight of 2024.
“I believe the best half [of 2024] is profitable the Defend with Orlando. I believe that was so superb to me,” she stated.
“It was the primary trophy that I’ve worn with any workforce since I began taking part in my skilled soccer. So I really feel it was an important second for me.”
The Zambia worldwide’s brace towards Chicago Stars secured Pleasure’s spot within the playoff semifinal towards Kansas Metropolis Present. The conflict will see Banda come up towards Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga however one-upping her placing rival on Sunday is not what’s fueling her.
“Actually, my soccer ardour is … I am not competing with any of my mates, however I at all times say when I’ve an opportunity and alternative, I’ve to put it to use properly,” she stated.
“So undoubtedly I wish to put [a] smile on their [Pride] faces. Everybody as a workforce, we have to win. That is our intention, our goal. So I am doing it for the workforce and for everybody in Orlando.
“So I am not taking it as a contest however I simply need to take pleasure in what I like doing to have good soccer and good second. And on the finish of the day you have a good time.”
