ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orlando Pride have signed Zambian midfielder Grace Chanda through the 2025 season with a mutual option for 2026.

Chanda, who has played for Madrid CFF since 2022, is expected to join the Pride following Zambia's appearance in this summer's Olympics, the Pride announced Thursday.

A fixture on the Zambian national team, the 26-year-old Chanda did not play in the Women's World Cup last year because of an undisclosed illness before the tournament that required hospitalization.

Chanda has made 31 appearances for Zambia with 19 goals since 2018. She was among the candidates for African women's player of the year in 2022.

“We are excited to bring her to Orlando and are confident in the quality and depth she will add to our midfield and attack,” Pride general manager Haley Carter said in a statement. “Grace offers added versatility, speed, and technical skill and is tenacity and joy personified on the pitch.”

Chanda joins fellow Zambian Barbra Banda on the Pride.

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