US-based striker Mayele Malango has expressed excitement after being called up to the Malawi national football team, the Flames, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Liberia.
The 30-year-old, who plays for Monterey Bay FC in the USL Championship, grew up at Dzaleka Refugee Camp after his family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998. Despite his Congolese roots, Malango has opted to represent Malawi at the international level.
“I want to begin by thanking God for this incredible opportunity. Representing Malawi on the international stage has always been a dream of mine, and I’m deeply honoured to be recognised by the Football Association of Malawi,” Malango wrote on his Facebook page.
He added, “Malawi gave my family and me a second chance at life after we fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998 due to war. We lost everything, but Malawi welcomed us with open arms and gave us the opportunity to rebuild from scratch. That act of kindness and generosity will forever be etched in my heart. Now, I get to wear its colours with pride.”
Malango’s call-up follows head coach Kallisto Pasuwa’s decision to include him in the Flames squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
“I’m beyond grateful and excited to represent this great nation. I can’t wait to get started. See you all soon,” he added.
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