Former Leone Stars captain Steven Caulker has opened up about the struggles he faced during his tenure, shedding light on the challenges of navigating what he described as “a very broken system.”

Caulker’s resignation as captain comes after three years of dedicated service, marked by both progress and setbacks.

In a heartfelt message, Caulker expressed disappointment at not achieving his primary goal of qualifying Sierra Leone for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to achieve my goal of qualifying us for AFCON, and it is with great sadness that I must accept this,” he stated.

Reflecting on the state of Sierra Leonean football, the former Premier League defender highlighted systemic challenges that hindered progress.

“At times, we saw progress, but during this last campaign, it became evident that we have, in fact, taken five steps backward,” he lamented.

Despite these frustrations, Caulker demonstrated his integrity by donating his appearance fees from the 2024 AFCON campaign to The Sick Pikin Baby Project, a charity supporting children in need.

“I do not want to take money that we don’t deserve,” he explained, emphasizing the positive impact the donation would have on children benefiting from the organization’s work.

Caulker so called for transformative leadership to unlock the potential of Sierra Leonean football. “Sierra Leone has an enormous amount of talent, and it is vitally important that we get the right people in charge, people who know how to bring out the best in the players on the pitch,” he urged.

Expressing gratitude, Caulker thanked Coach John Keister, SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima, his teammates, and the fans for their support. He noted that representing Sierra Leone and his grandfather’s homeland was a profound honor. “You welcomed me from day one, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Greater days are coming, keep the faith,” he concluded.

Steven Caulker’s candid reflections highlight the challenges within Sierra Leonean football and his hopes for meaningful reforms. His legacy extends beyond the pitch, leaving a lasting impact on both the sport and the communities he sought to serve.