In the wake of his resignation as captain of Sierra Leone’s national football team, Steven Caulker has made a generous donation of $12,500, the allowance and match bonuses he received for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, to The Sick Pikin Baby Project.

The former Premier League defender explained his decision, saying, “I have donated my appearance fees from the 2024 AFCON Campaign to the Sick Pikin Baby Project. I do not want to take money that we don’t deserve.”

Caulker’s resignation, which he attributed to a lack of progress within the team, has sparked discussions about the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s football infrastructure.

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.

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

These concerns have contributed to a growing sense of disillusionment among key players and have raised questions about the future of Sierra Leone’s football system.

Caulker’s resignation and donation to the charity reflect his commitment to supporting causes greater than football, while also underlining the pressing need for systemic change in the management of Sierra Leone’s national team.