Macclesfield has announced the death of women’s first team player Winnie Mayere, who has passed away after a battle with cancer. The 19-year-old teenager was preparing to start studying at Lancashire University next year.
Macclesfield FC Women said in a statement: “Everyone connected to Macclesfield FC is deeply saddened to learn that our beautiful friend and teammate Winnie Mayele has passed away after a battle with cancer. A respected member of our Women’s First Team, Winnie was only 19 years old and will be starting her studies at Lancashire University next year.”
“Despite her young age, Winnie showed more strength, courage and determination than most of us show in our lifetimes.
“Winnie, an incredibly talented soccer player and league champion with us, faced everything life threw at her with courage, heart and above all, a defiant smile.
“Winnie has previously overcome cancer and this in itself exemplifies the fact that she was a true warrior who refused to give in.”
Winnie’s death comes less than a week after Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod died in a car accident while driving back from a match.
The 21-year-old was returning from a Silkmans League match against Bedford on Tuesday night when his Mercedes crashed into a near-side metal barrier near junction 15 of the M1 at around 10.40pm.
Northamptonshire Police confirmed that despite the efforts of members of the public and police, the man tragically died at the scene.
McLeod joined Macclesfield this summer after a trial period and spent 10 years in Wolves’ academy before leaving in September last year.
He made his first appearance for Macclesfield in a league match against Chorley in September, scoring two goals in four games for the club.
Macclesfield FC issued a statement last Wednesday, saying: “It is with a very heavy heart and an overwhelming sense of surreality that Macclesfield FC can announce the death of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.”
“Ethan was tragically killed last night when he was involved in a car accident on the M1 while returning from Bedford Town.
“Ethan was an incredibly talented, respected first-team player and had his whole life ahead of him. But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone he came into contact with.
“The news of Ethan’s death has shocked the whole club and words cannot convey the immense sadness and loss we all feel at this moment.”
