Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji Set to Resume NWSL Action
Zambian stars Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji are gearing up to return to action in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) this weekend.
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda will take the field with Orlando Pride in the early hours of Saturday as they resume their NWSL regular season campaign. The Pride are set to face Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium, marking their first encounter of the season. Last year, both teams won their home games against each other, but Orlando’s last win in Houston was in 2017, with a 4-2 victory.
Orlando Pride, currently the only unbeaten team in the NWSL, are riding high with a 16-match regular-season unbeaten streak. This remarkable run ties them with Seattle for the longest single-season unbeaten streak in NWSL history. Including all competitions, the Pride have remained unbeaten in 20 consecutive matches dating back to last season.
Banda is also a frontrunner in the NWSL Golden Boot race, having scored 12 goals in just 12 matches this season. She is tied with Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga for the most goals scored in the league, putting her in prime position to claim the top scorer’s award.
Meanwhile, Rachel Kundananji will lead Bay FC into their clash against the Utah Royals at 03:30 Central African Time. Unlike Orlando Pride, Bay FC has experienced mixed results this season and is currently fighting to secure a playoff spot. They are sitting in eighth place, with three teams closely trailing them.
In their last NWSL match before the break, Bay FC suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Washington Spirit. As they return to action, Kundananji and six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, are expected to spearhead the attack as they aim to get back to winning ways and secure a spot in the playoffs.
Both Banda and Kundananji will be crucial for their teams as they navigate through the final stretch of the season, with eyes on individual accolades and team success.
