Mayele Malango, a talented soccer player with a journey marked by resilience, is determined to lead Malawi to its first-ever appearance in the FIFA World Cup. Earlier this month, during a crucial World Cup Qualifier match against Liberia, Malango delivered a stunning assist that helped secure a 2-2 draw, keeping Malawi’s hopes alive for the tournament scheduled in 2026.
Malango’s story begins in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he faced adversity at a young age. His family was forced to flee their home due to war, ultimately finding refuge in a camp in Malawi. This experience not only shaped his character but also paved the way for a new life when they relocated to Lowell, Massachusetts, when he was 17.
The match on September 8 saw Malango’s skill shine as he executed a perfectly placed pass across the pitch. The ball met a teammate’s head, resulting in a goal that ignited the excitement of the crowd at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. “The only thing I could do is just to play for the country and give back to the country because that’s what I’m thinking of … to me, it means a lot. It’s a dream come true,” Malango remarked.
As of now, Malawi sits in fourth place in Group H of the CAF qualifiers, with a record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, totaling 10 points. With two games remaining, the team aims to finish strong, as the top team in each group earns automatic qualification for the World Cup while the four best second-place teams will vie for playoff spots. Malango and his teammates are focused on their next match against Equatorial Guinea on October 9.
Malango’s rise in soccer began in Lowell, where he attended Lowell High School and quickly established himself as a standout player. He earned recognition as a two-time Lowell Sun Player of the Year and led the Red Raiders to back-to-back Merrimack Valley Conference titles, scoring 24 goals and providing eight assists in 2016. Reflecting on his transition, he shared, “It was not easy. I had to make new friends and get to know the area … I just had to adapt because we came from the refugee camp to America for a better life.”
With the support of his peers and the guidance of Lowell boys soccer coach Bill Bettencourt, Malango thrived both on and off the field, concluding his high school career with 43 goals and 14 assists. He then moved on to Salem State University, where he led the MASCAC with 17 goals and 43 points during his freshman year, earning the titles of Player and Rookie of the Year. His impressive performance led him to transfer to UMass Lowell, where he contributed four points in all 18 games of the 2018 season.
Malango’s professional career started with the New England Revolution II before he joined New Amsterdam FC in 2021, followed by stints at Albion San Diego and Chattanooga Red Wolves in 2023. Now playing for Monterey Bay FC in Seaside, California, Malango has made significant contributions this season with four goals and two assists.
His hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed, culminating in his selection for the Malawi National Team. “You don’t have to give up on your dreams. If you really love something, and if you really have a goal for yourself, go ahead and (go for it),” he advised, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Balancing his commitments to both the national team and his club presents challenges, particularly with travel demands. Yet, Malango’s journey has equipped him to handle these obstacles with resilience. He recalls the welcoming environment he encountered upon arriving in Malawi, stating, “We lost everything during the war … we came to Malawi with nothing, and they received us with open arms. They gave us a second chance at life in Malawi.”
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the pressure mounts, but Malango remains focused on his goal. With the tournament set to take place in the United States, including matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Malango’s aspirations resonate not just for him but for a nation yearning for representation on the world stage.
