In a bid to tackle teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and child marriages, Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman founded Mtopwa Football Club, a women’s football team in 2013.
Based in Blantyre, Malawi, the club has achieved remarkable success, becoming the first Malawian female team to play in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Club Championship.
The club also produce players that play for the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, the Scorchers.
“We had the privilege to play for COSAFA in 2023 and it’s an honor to be the first Malawian team to do so,” Jomo proudly stated.
Mtopwa FC has not only made waves in the football world but has also transformed the lives of its players.
The team has players from all three regions of Malawi, providing opportunities for girls from diverse backgrounds.
Grace Magwira, a player for Mtopwa FC’s U-17 team, expressed her gratitude to Jomo and his team, saying, “They rescued me from early marriage and now I have a chance to pursue my dreams.”
Through Mtopwa FC, some girls have been able to change their social lives, building houses and supporting their parents in their home districts. Moreover, many players balance their football careers with education, attending school alongside their training.
As Jomo Osman, the founder and technical director, emphasised: “Apart from playing football, some of the girls still attend school, and we’re committed to supporting their education and personal growth.”
Mtopwa FC consists of two groups namely Mtopwa Girls FC, populary known as “Ama Ghetto Kids,” and Mtopwa Women FC.
