Republic FC Signs Forward Mayele Malango
Republic FC has announced the acquisition via transfer of Mayele Malango. Malango was transferred from Monterey Bay to the Republic. This deal is pending league and federation approval.
Malango spent the 2025 season with Monterey Bay. He made 29 appearances for Monterey across league and USL Cup play. In those appearances, he scored five times and notched two assists. Prior to Monterey, Malango made stops with New England Revolution II, New Amsterdam FC, Albion San Diego, and Chattanooga Red Wolves. He was with the Red Wolves in 2023 and 2024, recording 12 goals and 5 assists in 68 appearances.
Mayele has also begun making appearances on the international stage. He got his first call-up to the Malawi National Team for World Cup Qualifiers in September 2025. Malawi didn't qualify from their group. But in that call-up, Mayele recorded an assist as Malawi drew 2-2 with Liberia. From there, he also scored his first international goal, a game-winner in an international friendly against Lesotho.
Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins on Malango: “Mayele is a dynamic attacker with a diverse and impressive journey through multiple levels of U.S. soccer. His pace, strength, and finishing ability give us more options in the final third, and we’re excited to integrate him into our system."
Mayele Malongo on coming to Sacramento: "I would like to thank God for this opportunity, and also thanks to all the coaching staff and front office members for believing in me, and for making this transfer to happen. I'm super excited to join the team and can't wait to contribute to the team's success on and off the field. I can’t wait to meet all the fans and play in front of you all. I will give everything I have for the team. Let’s make memories together as we fight for another championship.”
The Republic made another attacking signing with Malango. And with this signing, we are getting a glimpse of Neill Collins' vision for the attack. With Malongo and Forster Ajago, you get two strikers who are big, imposing presences in the box. You get two strikers that are both above six feet in height and have the physicality to duel with opposing centerbacks and keepers. Both of them remind me of Luther Archimede in their playstyles. But you also have two strikers who are good with the ball at their feet and can create their own shots. With the heaps of opportunities that the Republic midfield and defense can generate, hopefully one of the two of them can capitalize and score. Ok, so we have some targets in the box, but one thing I want to see is the Republic bring in a player who can make those darting runs into the box. Someone who can run off of these bigger strikers and become a secondary threat in the attack.
Welcome to the club, Mayele!
A real problem for defenses 😤
— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) January 8, 2026
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
(Photos thanks to Sacramento Republic FC)
All Is Quail Blog Author/Co-Host
The “numbers guy”, Riyan! Riyan is a native of Sacramento and has been following the Republic since day one. He has covered the team across different media outlets including now his own, All is Quail Soccer. Aside from putting numbers in spreadsheets, he has a love of video games and finding a good book to put in his ever growing to-read pile.
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