Orlando Pride has officially bolstered their attack with the signing of Zambian forward Barbra Banda, the club announced on Friday. "It has always been our vision to build the Orlando Pride into an NWSL Championship contender and we believe investment in the world's best players is a prerequisite for success," said Orlando Pride Owner and Chairman Mark Wilf. Banda, the captain of the Zambian national team, joins the Pride from Chinese Women's Super League side Shanghai Shengli FC for a transfer fee of $740,000, the second-highest in NWSL history. The 23-year-old has signed a four-year contract through the 2027 season. "Barbra Banda brings a new level of technical skill, physicality and pace to our attack and she is an exciting and entertaining addition to our roster," Wilf added. "Our fans have much to look forward to." Banda is a prolific goalscorer, having netted 16 goals and five assists for Shanghai Shengli in 2023. She previously won the CWSL Golden Boot in 2020, scoring a staggering 18 goals in just 13 matches. "I'm thankful for the confidence the Wilf family has in our staff," said Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter. "Barbra's stellar performance solidified her as a must-have target. She is a natural-born goal scorer and one of the most physically imposing forwards in the world." Banda expressed her excitement about joining the Pride. "The National Women's Soccer League is one of the most competitive and strongest leagues in the world," she said. "Since my first meeting with the club, I knew this was a club I wanted to join. I can't wait to meet my new teammates and start working with them. I hope to help the team win a lot of trophies together." A rising star in women's football, Banda adds to the growing list of African talent making their way to the NWSL this transfer window. Her arrival is sure to energize the Pride's attack and send shivers down the spines of opposing defenses.