Three prominent Zambian internationals competing in the National Women's Soccer League face an unexpected postponement to their domestic campaigns following stringent border regulations implemented by American authorities. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda leads the affected trio who are sidelined ahead of the decisive upcoming post-season run-in.

Yolanda Thomas has been ready for this moment. As interim head coach of the Orlando Pride — the first Black woman in the history of the National Women's Soccer League to serve in that role — Thomas' seat on the touchline may have moved up a few spots from her old post as assistant coach, but her mindset has remained unchanged. Thomas has occupied this space before. She's worn the badge of head coach twice, with the Rogers State University women's soccer team and later Fortuna Tulsa in the Women'

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros of The Cooligans discuss how the Orlando Pride striker's new deal - making her just the third player to eclipse the seven-figure mark - is a positive sign for the league as a whole. Check out the full conversation on the “The Cooligans” podcast - and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

The Orlando Pride signed forward Barbra Banda to a new contract that will keep one of the world's best strikers with the club through 2029, a landmark move that guarantees stability for both sides for a couple of years. Banda, captain of Zambia's women's national team, has established herself as one of the NWSL's best strikers since arriving in 2024. In her first year in the league, she was named the NWSL Championship MVP and played a key role in helping the Pride lift both the NWSL Shield and C

Goal by Barbra Banda

Penalty Shot by Summer Yates, Barbra Banda