Friends of Mulanje (Fomo) grabbed this year’s prestigious Presidential Cup in the Mulanje zone after beating Lujeri FC 2-1 in the finals on n 1st April at Mulanje Park.
The finals which attracted thousands of spectators was also attended by some government officials including Information Minister Patricia Kaliati and parliamentarian Rick Muheya.
FOMO, which looks after more than 5,000 vulnerable orphans and children, had problems with Bingu wa Mutharika regime when its director Mary Woodworth, a British national of Malawian origin, was subjected to persecution and face land grabbing.
Fomo's cup in its cabinetHowever, Woodworthy told Nyasa Times from her base in Preston, England that she was “delighted” for her orphanage organisation to win the cup at a time when the country has also new President, Madam Joyce Banda, promising to usher new era of freedom.“I am more than delighted,” she said, promising to give the orphanage more support.Woodworthy could not watch the finals but said she had confidence with FOMO after watching her team win Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust football cup when they defeated the same Lujeri before she was harassed out of Malawi ealier this year.She is also grateful to one of the English Premiership League giants, Liverpool Football Club which has been supporting FOMO team by donating various football items including their replica kit which they use.“Indeed you will never walk alone,” says Woodworth borrowing Liverpool’s slogan.Woodworth supports Liverpool Football Club and her colleague Ed Downs, who is also a FOMO member, has been communicating with LFC community development department.“They have been supporting FOMO by sending football Kits and boots and also when they have fundraising events the PR office usually send us items to auction.”The FOMO director discloses that the orphans in Mulanje follow LFC and call themselves LFC Team B.“LFC are supporting FOMO, because it is part of their policy to enhance and develop football skills in the community around the world, especially the vulnerable children,” she said.FOMO FC plays in the Mulanje District Premier League .FOMO team warming up
