The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has initiated efforts to engage players with ties to Malawi who are interested in representing the Flames, the Malawi Men’s National Team.
These include individuals who either previously lived in Malawi or are biologically connected to the country and have expressed interest in playing under the Malawian flag.
A source close to the matter revealed that FAM President Fleetwood Haiya recently met with striker Malango Mayele, who currently plays for U.S.-based club Monterey Bay FC.
Although Mayele is a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi’s recent adoption of dual citizenship laws means he is eligible to represent Malawi if he obtains a Malawian passport.
Mayele confirmed the meeting with Haiya and was seen posing for a photo with him. He also expressed his willingness to play for the Flames.
“That is my dream to play for Malawi. You know what, I stayed in Malawi for 10 years; hence, I love the country and I can play for it once given a chance,” he said.
Mayele previously lived at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi before returning to the DRC.
According to the source, “About nine players have been approached and the process is underway to give them Malawi passports. Among them are Takondwa Maosa of regional league side Brentwood Town FC, United Kingdom; Jubril Okedina (Cambridge United, United Kingdom); and Henri Kumwenda (Butler University, US).”
Meanwhile, it is reported that FAM has written to the U.S. Soccer Federation to request Mayele’s availability for Malawi’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September against Namibia and Liberia.
