Grace Chanda Extends Orlando Pride Stay, Eyes Historic WAFCON Return

Zambian international midfielder Grace Chanda has committed her future to Orlando Pride after the club confirmed it has exercised the mutual option to retain her services through the 2026 season.

The announcement, made via the club’s website, comes as a significant boost for both Chanda and the Pride, with the 28-year-old star currently in Morocco preparing for her third consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) appearance with the Copper Queens.

Chanda joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions midway through the 2024 season but saw her campaign cut short after sustaining a serious injury while representing Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite the setback, she made a promising debut on March 19 against Washington Spirit and featured in three matches before being placed on the Season Ending Injury list.

Speaking to FAZ Media from the Copper Queens’ training base in Mohammédia, Morocco, Chanda shared her excitement about returning to full fitness and representing her country once again at WAFCON 2024 (set to be played in 2025).

“I am so excited because it’s not easy to play in three tournaments. It’s not easy. So, I am so happy, I am so excited to come back again,” said Chanda, who also featured in the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament. In 2022, she helped guide Zambia to their first-ever bronze medal finish in Morocco.

Chanda, who previously played for Madrid CFF in Spain and BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan, says her recent injury struggles have only strengthened her resolve.

“It’s been a tough year for me, but I always encourage myself to work extra hard. Even when I am not playing, I keep pushing. My family and friends also gave me strength,” she said.

Now back in national team colours, the attacking midfielder is focused on going beyond the previous WAFCON campaign.

“We have to finish better now because we are a full squad. The target of this tournament is to continue from where we left off,” Chanda said, as Zambia prepares to face hosts Morocco in their Group A opener on July 5. The group also features Senegal and DR Congo.

“Morocco is not an easy game for the opener. It’s a tough one, and we have to be mentally prepared. They are preparing just like us, but we want those three points because the first game is important.”

Chanda is Zambia’s all-time top scorer in Olympic qualifying, having netted eight goals during the 2020 campaign that earned the nation a historic qualification to the Tokyo Olympics. She was also shortlisted for African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2022.

At club level, she was part of the 2024 Orlando Pride squad that clinched both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship, marking a remarkable rise for a player whose career has been defined by resilience and relentless drive.

With a renewed contract, a clean bill of health, and WAFCON ambitions burning bright, Grace Chanda is once again ready to inspire, both for club and country.