Mayele Malango reacts to first career hat-trick

Malawian striker Mayele Malango has reacted to his first professional career hat-trick with the United States League (USL) Championship side Sacramento Republic FC last weekend.

The 28-year-old scored thrice during a friendly against San Jose Earthquakes FC at Heart Health Park on Saturday.

A real problem for defenses 😤

Coach Neill Collins on our newest signing:🎙️ “Mayele is unbelievable at carrying the ball, dribbling past players. He’s got speed, he scores goals, he can create goals, and he’s just a real threat for defenses to think about.” pic.twitter.com/Yp7kDxmp5z

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) January 8, 2026

The former Monterey Bay FC forward has since explained how his switch to Republic FC is taking his career to the next level.

Mayele Malango shares secrets for success

“It feels great. I am super excited. The organization and the coaching staff are helping me a lot to get comfortable and settle in pretty well,” Malango said.

Speaking to the club’s media, Republic FC coach Neil Collins has since described the Malawian as a special talent.

“Mayele is unbelievable at carrying the ball, dribbling past players, he’s got speed, he scores goals, he can create goals, and he’s just a real threat for defences to think about.”

The Flames striker signed a two-year contract with Republic FC after parting ways with fellow USL opponents, Monterey Bay FC, barely a season.

The Flames star scored five goals in 30 appearances for Monterey Bay last season.

Malango is among Sacramento Republic’s new arrivals, including former Ghanaian youth international Forster Ajago.

When did Malango debut for Flames?

Capped five times and with one goal for Malawi, the Kinshasa-born striker debuted for the Flames during a match against Namibia on November 5 2025.

The Republic FC star was born in Kinshasa before relocating to Malawi where he spent 10 years as a boy.

Malango is among diaspora players Malawi national team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has drafted into the squad to add depth.

The others are Nigeria-born forward Babatunde Adepoju and Ivory Coast-born Yann Kouakou.

Mayele Malango reacts to first professional hat-trick for Sacramento Republic FC

Malawian striker Mayele Malango has opened up about his first professional career hat-trick after starring for Sacramento Republic FC in a preseason friendly against San Jose Earthquakes at Heart Health Park.

The 28-year-old forward scored three goals in an emphatic display, underlining his early impact following his move to the USL Championship side.

Mayele Malango hat-trick marks strong start at Sacramento Republic

The friendly clash against MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes offered Malango the perfect stage to announce himself to the Republic faithful. His movement inside the box, sharp finishing, and physical presence troubled the opposition throughout the encounter.

Speaking after the match, Malango expressed gratitude for the support he has received since joining the club.

“It feels great. I am super excited. The organization and the coaching staff are helping me a lot to get comfortable and settle in pretty well.”

The hat-trick represents a significant milestone in Malango’s professional journey and signals his intent to become a key attacking figure for Sacramento Republic this season.

Coach Neill Collins praises Mayele Malango’s qualities

Republic FC head coach Neill Collins was full of praise for the Malawian striker, highlighting the attributes that convinced the club to secure his services.

“Mayele is unbelievable at carrying the ball, dribbling past players. He’s got speed, he scores goals, he can create goals, and he’s just a real threat for defenses to think about.”

Such endorsement reflects the confidence within the Sacramento camp that Malango can elevate the team’s attacking output.

The striker joined Republic FC on a two-year contract after leaving Monterey Bay FC, where he scored five goals in 30 appearances last season.

He is also among several new additions to the squad, including former Ghanaian youth international Forster Ajago, as the club aims to strengthen its promotion ambitions.

From Kinshasa to the Flames: Mayele Malango’s international journey

Born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malango relocated to Malawi during his childhood, spending ten formative years in the country.

He has since represented the Malawi national football team — known as the Flames — earning five caps and scoring one goal.

Malango made his senior debut for Malawi against Namibia national football team on November 5, 2025.

His inclusion in the national setup is part of head coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s broader strategy of integrating diaspora talent to deepen squad quality. Other foreign-born additions include Babatunde Adepoju and Yann Kouakou.

A striker entering his prime years

At 28, Mayele Malango is approaching the peak years of his career. His blend of speed, strength, and technical ability makes him a versatile forward capable of leading the line or operating in wide areas.

The hat-trick against San Jose Earthquakes, although in a friendly, could serve as a confidence booster ahead of competitive fixtures in the USL Championship.

For Sacramento Republic FC, his scoring instincts and attacking creativity could prove decisive in tight matches where efficiency in front of goal is crucial.

What next for Mayele Malango and Sacramento Republic?

Malango’s immediate impact suggests he is ready to assume greater responsibility. If he maintains consistency in the regular season, he could emerge as one of the standout forwards in the USL Championship.

For Malawi, strong club performances could strengthen his claim for continued national team involvement as the Flames prepare for upcoming regional and continental fixtures.

One thing is clear: Mayele Malango’s first professional hat-trick is more than just a statistic — it is a statement of intent. Sacramento Republic may have secured a forward capable of transforming their attack, while Malawi continues to benefit from a striker eager to prove himself on bigger stages.
Malango could strengthen Malawi’s attack this year, especially ahead of Malawi’s WAFCON 2026 preparations.