Macclesfield announce second tragic demise of participant in days as girls’s star, 19, dies
Macclesfield FC have paid tribute to Winnie Mayele after the ‘unbelievably talented footballer’ passed away aged just 19 following a battle with cancer
Macclesfield FC have announced the sad passing of women’s first team player, Winnie Mayele.
Winnie, 19, tragically passed away following a battle with cancer. And in an emotional statement, the club expressed their heartbreak: “Everyone associated with Macclesfield FC is deeply saddened after learning that our beautiful friend and teammate Winnie Mayele has lost her battle with cancer.
“A well-respected member of our Women’s First Team, Winnie was set to commence her studies at the University of Lancashire next year and was just 19-years-old.
“Despite her young years, Winnie showed more strength, courage and determination than many of us will show in a lifetime.
“An unbelievably talented footballer and league champion with us, Winnie faced everything that life threw at her with bravery, heart and most defiantly of all, a beaming smile on her face.
“Winnie had previously beaten cancer and this in itself exemplifies the fact that she was a true fighter who refused to give in.”
Winnie’s sad passing comes less than a week after Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod died in a car accident while driving back from a game.
The 21-year-old was returning from the Silkmen’s National League North match against Bedford on Tuesday night when his white Mercedes collided with the nearside metal barrier close to junction 15 of the M1 at around 10.40pm.
A statement released from Macclesfield FC last Wednesday read: “(It is) with the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
“Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.
“Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our first-team squad who had his whole life ahead of him. But, more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.
“News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal – but, one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and, no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and his friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it.
“May you rest in peace Ethan. You will forever be a Silkman.”
