Welcome to Dev's Digest, Sky Sports' flagship column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive scoops and highlights the most significant milestones for British South Asians in football. This week’s edition celebrates two standout stories: the upcoming recognition of Mal Benning at the Asian Football Awards and Hamza Choudhury’s impactful first appearance for Sheffield United. Mal Benning is slated to receive the prestigious Football Pioneer Award at this month’s Asian Football Awards, a detail confirmed exclusively by Sky Sports News.
Benning’s career has been a trailblazing journey for British South Asians in the English game. On Valentine’s Day last season, he marked his 500th professional appearance – a milestone that only a handful of South Asian‑heritage players have ever reached in English football’s professional tiers.
Benning’s rise began as a teenager under the guidance of Dean Smith at Walsall during the 2012‑13 campaign. After a brief loan spell at York City, he secured a permanent move to Mansfield Town in 2015. Affectionately dubbed “Sir Mal” by the Stags faithful, he quickly became a cult figure, famously netting a decisive goal against arch‑rivals Chesterfield in April 2018.
By the time he departed Mansfield, Benning had amassed more than 250 appearances for the club. In the summer of 2021, Benning signed for Port Vale. Ironically, his most memorable moment came against his former side.
In the League Two play‑off final at Wembley, he capped a 3‑0 victory for Vale with a goal that sealed the win over Mansfield. The significance of that goal extended beyond the scoreline; Benning used the post‑match platform to champion South Asian representation in the sport. "I was on Sky Sports News earlier this week talking about South Asians in football, and today feels like a massive step forward," Benning told Sky Sports after the final. "It isn’t about me personally – it could have been anyone – but for the Sikh community and for South Asians across the game, this is a huge milestone." Co‑commentator Jobi McAnuff echoed those sentiments, stressing the broader cultural impact.
"He has been a pioneer, flying the flag for many years," McAnuff said. "It’s wonderful to see him get his day, especially against his former club – the narrative always seems to come full circle." Benning’s resurgence at Port Vale, where he reclaimed a starting berth and delivered when it mattered most, underscores why he is being honoured. His perseverance, professionalism, and willingness to speak out have cemented his status as a catalyst for change within English football.
Beyond Benning, eight other British South Asian players from the 2025/26 Team of the Season are in contention for awards at the Asian Football Awards. New Dundee United signing Zidane Iqbal, Chesterfield midfielder Dilan Markanday and Hamza Choudhury are shortlisted for the Men’s Player award.
The Young Men’s Player list features Brandon Khela (Peterborough), Vimal Yoganathan (Barnsley) and Seth Ridgeon (Fulham). In the non‑league category, goalkeeper Jas Singh (Tamworth), defender Kam Kandola (Hereford) and winger Tarryn Allarakhia (Boreham Wood) vie for recognition.
On the women’s side, Leicester City full‑back Asmita Ale joins Wrexham forward Mariam Mahmood and Burnley midfielder Millie Chandarana for the Women’s Player award. The Women’s Young Player shortlist includes West Brom attacker Riya Mannu, Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, Leicester youngster Sareet Kaur Binning and Wales international goalkeeper Safia Middleton‑Patel.
Hamza Choudhury, the Bangladesh international, enjoyed a dream debut for Sheffield United, helping the Blades to a thrilling 3‑2 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Transfer Deadline Day. Thrust straight into the starting XI, Choudhury completed the full 90 minutes at right‑back, just a day after ending a 21‑year stint with Leicester City by signing a permanent deal with United. During his time at Leicester, Choudhury made 166 senior appearances, contributing to the club’s historic FA Cup triumph in 2021.
He also featured in 34 league games and captained the side on several occasions as Leicester clinched the Sky Bet Championship title in 2023/24. His final appearance for the Foxes came in a 2‑1 defeat to Burton Albion – the very club where he made his EFL debut on loan more than a decade earlier. The move to Bramall Lane reunites Choudhury with former manager Chris Wilder, under whom he spent a loan spell at Watford in the 2022/23 season.
Choudhury earned his first cap for Bangladesh in March 2025, balancing international duties with club commitments under Wilder’s guidance. In another historic moment, Pakistan forward Mariam Mahmood has etched her name into Wrexham’s club lore by becoming the first female player to be added to the club’s International Honours Board. At 22, she joins legends such as Joey Jones, Dai Davies and Kieffer Moore, and follows in the footsteps of Neil Taylor – the only other British South Asian to be honoured on the board. Taylor, a former Aston Villa, Swansea and Middlesbrough full‑back, turned professional at Wrexham in 2007 and earned 43 caps for Wales.
Mahmood debuted for Pakistan during AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying in Indonesia last year, one of nine British‑born players representing the Shaheens. She has already scored three goals in six international outings and most recently featured for Pakistan in the FIFA Series in Ivory Coast in April. Turning to club ownership news, Amit Bhatia attended his first Liverpool match since his consortium secured a 38 percent stake in the club.
The son‑in‑law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal was present at Anfield for Liverpool’s 2‑2 draw with Nottingham Forest after receiving an invitation from Fenway Sports Group principal owner John W Henry. The investment group, led by British‑Indian entrepreneur Bhatia, also includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co‑founder Eduardo Saverin. Once the deal is ratified, Bhatia will join Liverpool’s board as vice‑chairman. "It’s the biggest and greatest football club in the world.
To be associated with it in any capacity is a dream come true," Bhatia told LFC TV. "But with that comes immense responsibility. FSG has shouldered that responsibility spectacularly over the past 16 years.
If we can partner with them, help elevate the club and add value, we’re ready and eager to contribute in any way we’re called upon." These stories illustrate the growing influence of British South Asians across every facet of the beautiful game – from pioneering players breaking barriers on the pitch to influential investors shaping the future of elite clubs. For more in‑depth features, videos and updates, visit Sky Sports’ dedicated South Asians in Football hub and join the conversation.