Malawi coach Pasuwa: What Congolese-born Mayele Malango has improved on

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa has highlighted Congolese-born striker Mayele Malango’s improvement and what has been delaying his regular action for the Flames.

The former Warriors trainer spoke glowingly about the Congolese-born forward after he registered his first goal in the Flames colours to earn them a hard fought 1-0 victory over Lesotho in South Africa on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old scored in the 25th minute of the rematch at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein to end Malawi’s 16-year winless run against Likuena. It was his first goal in four appearances for the Flames, including the recent FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Pasuwa explain why Malango got the starting nod

Pasuwa explained why Malango made it into the starting XI in the game against Lesotho, adding that he had improved his fitness levels.

“He did very well as a striker. You see, the problem I was having with him was that he could play for 20 minutes and he would be tired. But if you saw, he ended up to 65 minutes. He has improved from all the games he has played,” the coach said.

Meanwhile, the Monterey Bay FC player has reacted to his first goal since making a big career decision to represent the country where he spent 10 at a refugee camp upon arrival from the DR Congo in 1998.

“I’m super excited to have scored my first international goal for the Malawi National Team, and help the team secure their first victory against Lesotho after 16 years,” the Kinshasa-born footballer said.

Malango is among Diaspora players Pasuwa has drafted into the squad to add depth with the other inclusions being Nigeria-born Babatunde Adepoju and Ivory Coast-born Yann Kouakou.

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