Democratic Republic of Congo striker Mayele Malango has opened up on the possibility of playing for Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, in the near future.
Malango, who plays for a United States Super League Division Two side, claimed he stayed in Malawi for 11 years at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District.
“I want to repay the Malawi Government for the time I stayed at Dzaleka Camp. I stayed in Malawi for 11 years as a young boy. I am ready to represent Malawi at the senior level,’’ he said.
The 27-year-old striker has scored three goals and provided one assist in eight games this season.
Malango can switch nationality and play for Malawi following the legalisation of dual citizenship.
According to Malango, he has on several occasion spoken to Flames coach Patrick Mabedi, who is monitoring several players abroad.
“I have also sent him some video clips, so he gave me words of encouragement,’’ he said.
On his part, Mabedi said Malango is one of the players being monitored.
“There are a lot of issues to be followed and it is not in my hands. But if given chance, I will recommend him,’’ Mabedi said.
Public Relations Officer for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Wellington Chiponde, said the acquisition of the Malawi citizenship by foreign nationals is guided by a legal framework.
“In Malawi, citizenship issues are governed by the Citizenship Act of 1966, and the law provides that a foreign national may acquire Malawi citizenship by registration, by naturalisation or by conferment upon fulfilling certain conditions,’’ he said.
