Welcome to Dev's Digest, the trail‑blazing Sky Sports column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive scoops and highlights the most significant moments for British South Asians in football. This week’s edition celebrates two remarkable stories: the long‑awaited recognition of veteran defender Mal Benning and the spectacular debut of Bangladesh international Hamza Choudhury for Sheffield United. **Mal Benning’s Pioneering Tribute** Sky Sports News has confirmed that Mal Benning will be honoured with the Football Pioneer Award at this month’s Asian Football Awards, an accolade that recognises his groundbreaking contributions to the game. Benning’s journey is a textbook example of perseverance and quiet excellence.
On Valentine’s Day last season, he marked his 500th professional appearance – a milestone that only a handful of British South Asians have ever reached in English football. His career began in the 2012/13 season when a teenage Benning broke into the Walsall first‑team under the guidance of then‑manager Dean Smith.
After a brief loan spell at York City, he secured a permanent move to Mansfield Town in 2015. Mansfield fans quickly adopted the affectionate nickname “Sir Mal,” and he went on to become a club legend. One of his most memorable moments came in April 2018, when he scored against arch‑rivals Chesterfield, helping Mansfield to a vital win and cementing his status among the Stags faithful.
Benning amassed more than 250 appearances for Mansfield before transferring to Port Vale in the summer of 2021. Ironically, his most iconic performance for Vale came against his former club. In the League Two play‑off final at Wembley, Benning completed the scoring in a 3‑0 victory over Mansfield, a fitting climax to his long‑standing rivalry with the club that launched his career. After the match, Benning used the platform to speak about representation.
"I came on Sky Sports News earlier in the week talking about South Asians in football, and that today was a massive step," he told Sky Sports. "I don’t care that it’s me – it could have been anyone – but for the Sikh community, as well as South Asians in football, that was a massive step." Co‑commentator Jobi McAnuff echoed the sentiment, highlighting Benning’s role as a trailblazer. "He has certainly been a pioneer and someone who has been flying the flag for many, many years," McAnuff said.
"It’s really great to see him get his day, and against his former club – it always seems to be the way – he pops up with the goal. He was fantastic. He’s come back into the team and he’s taken his opportunity – it’s a big, big credit to Mal Benning." The sixth edition of the Asian Football Awards will be held in London on 29 September, providing a stage for Benning and other South Asian figures to be celebrated for breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation.
**Hamza Choudhury’s Winning Sheffield United Debut** On the same day, another South Asian star made headlines. Hamza Choudhury, the Bangladesh‑born midfielder who spent 21 years with Leicester City, completed a permanent move to Sheffield United on Transfer Deadline Day and immediately made an impact. Starting at right‑back, Choudhury played the full 90 minutes as the Blades secured a thrilling 3‑2 victory over Bolton Wanderers.
Choudhury’s résumé is impressive. He logged 166 senior appearances for Leicester, was part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup in 2021, and featured in 34 league games as Leicester clinched the Sky Bet Championship title in the 2023/24 season, captaining the side on several occasions. His final appearance for Leicester was a 2‑1 defeat to Burton Albion – the club where he made his professional debut over a decade earlier during his first loan spell. The move to Bramall Lane reunites Choudhury with manager Chris Wilder, under whom he previously worked during a loan stint at Watford in the 2022/23 season.
Choudhury earned his first cap for Bangladesh in March 2025, adding an international dimension to his already diverse career. **Other Notable Highlights** * **Mariam Mahmood Makes History at Wrexham** – The 22‑year‑old Pakistan forward became the first woman to be added to Wrexham’s international honours board, joining legends such as Joey Jones, Dai Davies and Kieffer Moore. She is only the second British South Asian to achieve this distinction after former Wales defender Neil Taylor, who earned 43 caps for his country.
* **Amit Bhatia’s Liverpool Stake** – Businessman Amit Bhatia, son‑in‑law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, attended his first Liverpool match since his consortium secured a 38 percent stake in the club. The group, which includes Jeff Bezos and Eduardo Saverin, will see Bhatia take a seat on Liverpool’s board as vice‑chairman once the deal is finalised. Bhatia described Liverpool as “the biggest and the greatest football club in the world” and expressed enthusiasm about contributing to its future. These stories underline the growing influence of British South Asians across all levels of the sport – from grassroots to the boardroom.
Their achievements not only enrich the football narrative but also inspire countless young fans who see themselves reflected in these role models. For more in‑depth features, video interviews and the latest updates on South Asian contributions to football, visit the dedicated page on skysports.com. You can also share your thoughts and suggestions with the Dev’s Digest team via the contact link provided. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250 k!
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