Sierra Leone national team forward Rodney Micheal Jr. recently presented his jersey to former Liverpool star Craig Bellamy during a visit to England.

Micheal, a graduate of the Craig Bellamy Academy in Sierra Leone, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to his former mentor.

His visit coincided with a match between Norwich City and Micheal’s national team, the Leone Stars. Despite the team’s 2-1 loss, Micheal displayed his unwavering support for teammate Mustapha Bundu, who is also a graduate of the Academy.

The Craig Bellamy Foundation plays a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s football development. For nearly two decades, the foundation has operated the country’s only national youth football league and its first professional academy.

The program goes beyond the pitch, using football as a tool to encourage school attendance, youth participation in community projects, and the importance of fair play. It positively impacts the lives of nearly 2,000 boys and girls.