By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

Despite their poor performance in the recent AFCON Qualifiers, the former captain of Sierra Leone’s national football team, Steven Caulker, has made a substantial donation of $12,500 to Sick Pikin Baby Project.

The money consists of allowances and match bonuses the player has been receiving for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.

“I have donated my match fees from the 2024 AFCON campaign to the Sick Pikin Baby Project. I do not want to take money that we [players] don’t deserve.”

Caulker said.

He attributed the rejection to withhold the match fees paid him to a lack of progress within the team which had sparked discussions especially on the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s football team.

The player expressed his frustration over the team’s struggles and emphasized that while some progress had been made during his tenure, recent setbacks highlighted deeper issues within the management and structure of the team.

Close sources also say many foreign-based players are now unwilling to represent Leone Stars, citing poor planning and a lack of structure in the team’s management.

These concerns have contributed to a growing sense of disappointment among key players and have raised questions about the future of Sierra Leone’s footballing career.

Caulker’s resignation and donation to the charity reflect his commitment to supporting other humanitarian causes than only football.