Peter Kanjere
January 7, 2026Congolese-born Malawian striker Mayele Malango swaps American sides
Photo: Football Association of Malawi
Congolese-born Malawian striker Mayele Malango swaps American sides
Congolese-born Malawian striker Mayele Malango has announced his departure from Monterey Bay FC and joined another United States League (USL) Championship side Sacramento Republic FC.
In a statement issued via Facebook, the 28-year-old confirmed his exit from the second tier American team barely a season after joining them.
“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support throughout the past season! Thank you for your passion, loyalty, and dedication,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
“Although it’s time to say goodbye, I’m grateful for the time we’ve shared together. To the community, thank you for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel at home!
“Thank you all for the incredible memories and for being a part of this amazing journey. I will always cherish my time with the Monterey Bay FC. To all the coaching staff and the front Office. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent Monterey Bay FC.”
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The Malawian international told Pan-Africa Football that he had signed a two-year contract with Sacramento Republic.
What do the statistics say about Mayele Malango?
He scored five goals in 30 appearances for Monterey Bay last season and is among Sacramento Republic’s new arrivals, including former Ghanaian youth international Forster Ajago.
Capped five times and scorer of one goal for Malawi, the Kinshasa-born striker debuted for the Flames during a match against Namibia on November 5 2025.
Malango is little-known in African football, but like his more popular counterpart, Fiston Mayele, he was also born in Kinshasa before relocating to Malawi as a refugee.
The 10 years that the Congolese player spent at the camp ignited a stronger connection with Malawi. After all, he has never represented the DR Congo at any level.
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.