Welcome to Dev's Digest, Sky Sports' flagship 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 upcoming recognition of veteran defender Mal Benning at the Asian Football Awards and the impressive debut of Bangladesh international Hamza Choudhury for Sheffield United. Mal Benning is slated to receive the Football Pioneer Award at this month’s Asian Football Awards, a detail revealed exclusively by Sky Sports News.
The accolade acknowledges Benning’s trail‑blazing career, which includes a milestone 500th professional appearance that came on Valentine’s Day last season – a number few British South Asians have ever reached in the English game. Benning’s journey began in the youth ranks of Walsall, where he broke into the first team under the guidance of Dean Smith during the 2012/13 campaign. A short loan spell at York City followed before he secured a permanent move to Mansfield Town in 2015. Affectionately dubbed “Sir Mal” by the Stags supporters, he quickly became a cult figure, netting a memorable goal against arch‑rivals Chesterfield in April 2018 and amassing more than 250 appearances for Mansfield.
In the summer of 2021 Benning transferred to Port Vale. Ironically, his most celebrated moment on the pitch arrived against his former club.
In the League Two play‑off final at Wembley, Benning capped a 3‑0 victory for Vale with a goal that sealed the win over Mansfield, providing a poetic book‑end to his tenure there. What followed cemented his status as a true game‑changer for British South Asians. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Benning reflected on the broader significance of his achievement.
“I came on Sky Sports News earlier in the week talking about South Asians in football, and that today was a massive step,” he said. “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 long‑standing role as a flag‑bearer for diversity. “He has certainly been a pioneer and someone who has been flying the flag for many, many years,” McAnuff observed.
“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’s fantastic. He’s come back into the team and he’s taken his opportunity – it’s a big, big credit to Mal Benning.” Benning’s honour comes alongside a strong showing from other British South Asian talent at the awards.
Eight additional players from the 2025/26 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season are also in contention for various categories. New Dundee United signing Zidane Iqbal, Chesterfield’s Dilan Markanday and Leeds‑based midfielder Hamza Choudhury are shortlisted for the Men’s Player award.
Young prospects such as Peterborough’s Brandon Khela, Barnsley’s Vimal Yoganathan and Fulham’s Seth Ridgeon feature on the Young Men’s Player list. The Non‑League Player award pits Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh against Hereford defender Kam Kandola and Boreham Wood winger Tarryn Allarakhia. In the women’s game, Leicester City full‑back Asmita Ale joins Wrexham forward Mariam Mahmood and Burnley midfielder Millie Chandarana on the Women’s Player shortlist. The Women’s Young Player of the Year category includes West Brom attacker Riya Mannu, Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, Leicester youngster Sareet Kaur Binning and Wales international goalkeeper Safia Middleton‑Patel.
Turning to the Sheffield United story, Hamza Choudhury delivered a dream debut on Transfer Deadline Day, helping the Blades to a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Bolton Wanderers. The Bangladesh international started at right‑back, completed the full 90 minutes, and showcased the same composure that earned him 166 senior caps for Leicester City. While at Leicester, Choudhury was part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup in 2021 and contributed 34 league appearances during the club’s 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship triumph, even captaining the side on several occasions. Choudhury’s final appearance for Leicester came in a 2‑1 defeat to Burton Albion – the very club where he made his EFL debut during his first loan spell more than a decade earlier.
His move to Bramall Lane reunites him with former manager Chris Wilder, under whom he spent a loan stint at Watford in the 2022/23 season. Internationally, Choudhury earned his first Bangladesh cap in March 2025, adding another layer to his multicultural football identity.
Another historic moment featured Pakistan forward Mariam Mahmood, who became the first women’s player ever to be added to Wrexham’s international honours board. At 22, she joins club 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 have his name etched on the board. Taylor, a former Aston Villa, Swansea and Middlesbrough full‑back, earned 43 caps for Wales after turning professional at Wrexham in 2007. Mahmood’s own international résumé includes a debut for Pakistan during AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying in Indonesia and three goals in six caps.
She most recently represented Pakistan at the FIFA Series in Ivory Coast in April. The column also touches on a major business development: Amit Bhatia attended his first Liverpool match since his consortium secured a 38 percent stake in the club. Bhatia, son‑in‑law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, watched Liverpool draw 2‑2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield after receiving a personal invitation from Fenway Sports Group principal owner John W Henry.
The consortium, which also includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co‑founder Eduardo Saverin, will see Bhatia take a seat on Liverpool’s board as vice‑chairman once the deal is ratified. "It’s the biggest and the greatest football club in the world. To be associated with it is the stuff of dreams," Bhatia told LFC TV.
He added, "It also comes with great responsibilities. That responsibility has been shouldered by FSG in the most spectacular way over the last 16 years. If we as their partners can be involved, help elevate the club, and add value, we are ready, willing, and can’t wait to contribute in any way we are called upon." For further stories, in‑depth features and video content, visit Sky Sports’ dedicated South Asians in Football hub. Readers are encouraged to share their views and stay engaged with the ongoing conversation about representation and achievement across the beautiful game.