Fiston Mayele: The prolific striker who shook the East African football scene leaves Yanga

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FOOTBALL Fiston Mayele: The prolific striker who shook the East African football scene leaves Yanga

Festus Chuma 09:41 - 31.07.2023

The DR Congo international bids a tearful goodbye to Yanga, embracing a new challenge in Egypt.

Tanzania Premier League giants Yanga SC have bid an emotional farewell to their talismanic striker, Fiston Mayele, as he embarks on a new and exciting adventure with Egyptian side Pyramids. 

Mayele's departure comes as a bittersweet moment for Yanga fans, as they bid farewell to a player who has etched his name into the club's history forever.

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Arriving at Yanga with a blaze of excitement, Fiston Mayele wasted no time in showcasing his worth on the field. 

In his first season with the club, the prolific striker netted an impressive 16 goals, narrowly missing out on the coveted Golden Boot by a single goal to George Mpole of Geita Gold, who scored 17. Yet, even in the face of this heartbreak, Mayele's determination remained unyielding.

Undeterred by his near-miss, Mayele persisted, and the following season proved to be even more exceptional for the Congolese striker. 

He found the back of the net an astounding 17 times, tying with Saido Ntibazonkiza of Simba for the coveted top scorer accolade.

However, it was on the continental stage that Mayele truly shone. Throughout the last season, the Congolese sharpshooter proved to be Yanga's talisman in the CAF Confederation Cup. 

With his predatory instincts and lethal finishing, Mayele scored a remarkable 14 goals in the CAF Champions League and the African Confederation Cup combined.

One unforgettable moment etched in the hearts of the Yanga faithful was the CAF Confederation Cup match against US Monastir in Tunisia. 

Despite the pouring rain, fans showed unwavering support, and Mayele could not help but express his gratitude for their dedication and love.

"Yanga was like a family to me, and I feel pain for the decision that I have made, but you have to accept my decision to leave for another challenge," Mayele emotionally stated while bidding farewell. "I thank the management, players, and fans for the support during my time at Yanga."

Mayele's departure comes after two successful seasons with Yanga, where he helped secure two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and two Community Shield triumphs. 

Moreover, his exploits led Yanga to reach the Confederation Cup final for the first time in their history during the 2022/2023 season, with Mayele finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 7 goals.

As he moves on to Pyramids, the Egyptian club gains a prolific forward who is sure to make an impact in the league and continental competitions. 

For Yanga, saying goodbye to their talismanic striker may be heartbreaking, but they can take solace in the unforgettable memories he created during his time with the club.

The journey of Fiston Mayele from Yanga to Pyramids marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

As he embarks on this new challenge, Yanga fans will forever cherish the memories of his exceptional goal-scoring prowess, unwavering dedication, and the joy he brought to the pitch in every match.

Mayele's name will forever be etched in the annals of Yanga's history, and his legacy will serve as an inspiration for future generations of players who don the black and yellow jersey.