Welcome to Dev's Digest, Sky Sports' flagship column where Dev Trehan breaks exclusive stories and highlights the most important moments for British South Asians in football. This month, Sky Sports News has confirmed that Mal Benning will be celebrated with the Football Pioneer Award at the Asian Football Awards. The accolade recognises his trail‑blazing career and his role in opening doors for South Asian talent in the English game. Benning’s journey reached a milestone on Valentine’s Day last season when he chalked up his 500th professional appearance – a number that only a handful of British South Asian players have ever reached in English football.
That landmark underscored his durability, consistency and the respect he has earned over two decades of service. The midfielder‑turned‑defender first broke into senior football as a teenager under Dean Smith at Walsall during the 2012/13 campaign. After a brief loan stint with York City, he secured a permanent move to Mansfield Town in 2015.
Fans of the Stags quickly nicknamed him "Sir Mal" and he became a cult hero, especially after scoring the decisive goal against arch‑rivals Chesterfield in April 2018. By the time he left 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 for the Vale came against his former side. In the League Two play‑off final at Wembley, he completed a 3‑0 victory over Mansfield, sealing the win with a late strike.
The goal not only secured promotion for Port Vale but also cemented Benning’s reputation as a player who thrives on the big stage. After the match, Benning used his platform to speak about representation. "I was on Sky Sports News earlier this week discussing South Asians in football, and today feels like a massive step forward," he told Sky Sports. "It’s not about me personally – anyone could have been in my shoes – but for the Sikh community and for South Asian players everywhere, this is huge." Co‑commentator Jobi McAnuff echoed the sentiment, stressing how important such moments are for ethnic diversity in the English game.
"He’s been a pioneer for many years, constantly flying the flag," McAnuff said. "Seeing him get his day, especially against his old club, is the perfect storyline. He’s been fantastic, taken his chance and truly earned this recognition." Benning is not the only South Asian player in the spotlight.
Eight more names from the 2025/26 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season are also shortlisted for awards at the Asian Football Awards. New Dundee United signing Zidane Iqbal, Chesterfield’s promising winger Dilan Markanday and midfield dynamo Hamza Choudhury are all nominated for the Men’s Player award. On the Young Men’s Player shortlist appear Brandon Khela (Peterborough), Vimal Yoganathan (Barnsley) and Seth Ridgeon (Fulham).
The Non‑League Player category features Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh, Hereford defender Kam Kandola and Boreham Wood winger Tarryn Allarakhia. In the women’s sections, Leicester City full‑back Asmita Ale, Wrexham forward Mariam Mahmood and Burnley midfielder Millie Chandarana compete for the Women’s Player award. Riya Mannu (West Brom), Layla Banaras (Lewes), Leicester youngster Sareet Kaur Binning and Wales international Safia Middleton‑Patel are shortlisted for Women’s Young Player of the Year. One of the most exciting stories of the week was Hamza Choudhury’s winning debut for Sheffield United.
The Bangladesh international started at right‑back and played the full 90 minutes as the Blades edged Bolton Wanderers 3‑2 on Transfer Deadline Day. Choudhury had just terminated a 21‑year association with Leicester City, signing a permanent deal with United. During his time at Leicester, Choudhury logged 166 senior appearances and was part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup in 2021 – the club’s first triumph in the competition. He also featured in 34 league games and captained Leicester on several occasions as they clinched the Sky Bet Championship title in 2023/24.
In a twist of fate, Choudhury’s final appearance for Leicester came in a 2‑1 defeat to Burton Albion – the very club where he made his EFL debut on loan more than ten years earlier. His move to Bramall Lane reunites him 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, adding an international dimension to his already impressive résumé.
Another historic moment arrived for 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 on the board and follows Neil Taylor – the only other British South Asian to be honoured in that way. Taylor, a former Aston Villa, Swansea and Middlesbrough full‑back, earned 43 caps for Wales after turning professional at Wrexham in 2007.
Mahmood made her Pakistan debut during AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying in Indonesia last year, one of nine British‑born players representing The Shaheens. She has scored three goals in six international outings and most recently featured for Pakistan in the FIFA Series in Ivory Coast in April. In business news, Amit Bhatia attended his first Liverpool match since the consortium he leads secured a 38 percent stake in the club.
Bhatia, the son‑in‑law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, was 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 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 – being associated with it is a dream," Bhatia told LFC TV. "But with that comes great responsibility. FSG has shouldered that responsibility spectacularly over the past 16 years.
If we can help the club, elevate it and add value, we’re ready and eager to do so." For more stories, features and video content, visit Sky Sports' dedicated South Asians in Football hub. Readers are invited to share their thoughts and stay engaged with the community. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.