Fiston Mayele: A Striker Ready to Make History
Fiston Mayele has left an indelible mark on the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League season. With six goals in 10 matches, he finished as the tournament’s top scorer and confirmed his status as one of the most feared forwards on the continent.
His sharp finishing proved decisive in crucial encounters, notably in the semi-final and final against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns (1–1; 2–1), where his influence on the pitch helped Pyramids FC capture their first-ever continental crown.
Beyond the statistics, it is Mayele’s instinct for the big moments that sets him apart. As his coaches often note, he is more than a finisher: he organises play, opens spaces, and inspires his teammates to rise to the occasion.
This blend of versatility and winning mentality has turned the Congolese star into the heartbeat of the Egyptian side’s attack.
Florent Ibenge, who coached him at AS Vita Club, recalls:
“Fiston had this hunger to improve, to always push himself further. He still had flaws, but I could see in him a striker who was ready to explode on the African scene.”
Sébastien Desabre, coach of DR Congo’s national team, echoed that sentiment: “Fiston has worked hard to impose himself. He’s developed technically and mentally. His attitude is exemplary for a player of his age.”
The Mindset of a Player Chasing History
As he prepares for his first CAF Super Cup, Mayele exudes calm and confidence.
“I’m very happy to play in my first African Super Cup,” he said from Cairo. “We know Pyramids are the African champions and Berkane won the Confederation Cup, so we must face each other. It’s a historic match, for me and for the club.”
For Mayele, the objective is clear: “A final isn’t played, it’s won. We’re calm and ready. Since we’re at home, we’ll give everything to lift our first Super Cup.”
Still, the Congolese forward remains respectful of the challenge ahead: “Berkane are a very strong team with quality players. It’s going to be a great African football match.”
He insists that teamwork remains the key: “Everything I do is to help the team. I hope to be in top form for this match, like all my teammates. Football is a collective effort. If people talk about me, it’s because there’s a whole team behind me.”
Despite growing expectations, Mayele stays grounded: “When you start rising, people naturally talk about you. What matters is staying focused, continuing to improve, and showing more every time. I remain who I am, humble and simple. My goal is to help my team win more trophies.”
A final to approach with determination
Mayele knows that details decide continental finals. “In this kind of match, every chance counts. The smallest opportunity must be taken. It won’t be an open game, it’ll be tight, because the opposition is strong. We have to stay positive and make the most of every chance to secure the win.”
He credits his resilience and adaptability to experiences across Africa: “When you move to a new country, it’s not easy to make your mark. But it depends on how you’re welcomed. In Tanzania, and now in Egypt, I was warmly received, and that helped me thrive.
The stadiums, the atmosphere, the passion, all of that pushed me to grow. I’ve also worked with great coaches who helped refine my style. Now, it’s about staying focused and keeping the goals coming.”
The forward also values fan support deeply: “I hope our fans come out to support us. In Egypt people love football and big occasions.
In the final against Sundowns, they were there in numbers, cheering until the last minute. We’re asking them again to come and push us, to make Egyptian football shine.”
Ultimately, Mayele sees everything through the lens of a shared mission: “We play to bring joy to our fans, the ones who have always stood by us. We’ll stay focused until the end. Winning trophies is what drives every player.”
With a career built on consistency and determination, the 31-year-old Congolese forward is poised to write another memorable chapter, one that could secure his place in the history of African football.