Welcome to Dev's Digest, the influential Sky Sports column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive updates and thoughtful commentary on the most significant stories affecting British South Asians in football. In this edition we cover a range of topics, from charitable auctions to inspiring player statements, and highlight the achievements of several South Asian athletes across the men’s and women’s games. First up, a historic piece of memorabilia is set to change hands for a good cause.
Hamza Choudhury’s shirt from Leicester City’s dramatic 2021 FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea will be offered at auction later this month, a scoop revealed exclusively by Sky Sports News. The jersey, encased in a protective frame, will be sold during a fundraising event for the Children Not Numbers charity, an organisation that supports children impacted by the Gaza conflict. The auction is being organised by Nujum Sports, a body that represents Muslim athletes and works to amplify their voices.
Choudhury, who concluded a 21‑year spell with Leicester to sign for Sheffield United in the summer, is slated to appear as a guest speaker at the London fundraiser on 25 October. His presence underscores the link between sport, community outreach, and the power of high‑profile athletes to draw attention to humanitarian issues.
While Choudhury’s charitable effort makes headlines, another South Asian talent is making waves on the international stage. Fulham’s young prospect Farhaan Ali Wahid, following in Choudhury’s footsteps, earned his first cap for Bangladesh at the ASEAN Cup. Wahid, currently on loan at National League leaders Boreham Wood, entered the match as a substitute and found the net in his second appearance, helping Bangladesh to a narrow defeat against Indonesia. His breakthrough marks him as only the second Premier League‑affiliated player ever to represent Bangladesh, highlighting the growing reach of South Asian footballers into global competitions.
Further afield, Oxford City winger Dillon De Silva delivered a double‑dose of goals for Sri Lanka in a two‑leg series against Seychelles. He opened the scoring in a 3‑0 win and then repeated the feat in a 2‑0 victory on Mahe Island, demonstrating the increasing impact of British‑based South Asian players on their national sides. The column also turns to a more personal story of solidarity within the community. Mal Benning and Kam Kandola have publicly voiced their support for Dundee United midfielder Zidane Iqbal after he faced verbal and online abuse while on international duty with Iraq.
Iqbal, born in Manchester to a British‑Pakistani family, spoke candidly to reporters last weekend about the hateful messages he received, describing the experience as deeply upsetting. Both Benning and Kandola, who were honoured at the Asian Football Awards, stressed the importance of standing together. Benning, a four‑time member of the South Asians in Football Team of the Season, told Sky Sports News, “It’s heartbreaking to see a player of Zidane’s calibre subjected to that kind of abuse. He is a role model for young South Asians, having played at the World Cup, and we need to ensure his experience is an isolated incident, not a deterrent for future talent.” Kandola, the recipient of the Non‑League Player award, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We all back him.
It takes courage to confront prejudice, especially when it attacks your heritage. I’m proud of how he handled the situation, and the community must continue to rally behind him.” At the Asian Football Awards, Wrexham forward Mariam Mahmood collected the Women’s Player of the Year trophy, while her teammate, Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, was named Women’s Young Player.
Their achievements underscore the rising prominence of South Asian women in the sport. In the men’s category, Brandon Khela, who won the Men’s Young Player award, expressed excitement about the possibility of Robbie Savage taking over as Peterborough United manager.
Savage, a former Premier League stalwart, has reportedly been offered the role, with negotiations underway between the two clubs. Khela, a former Birmingham City midfielder, said, “Learning from someone who has played at the highest level would be invaluable. Regardless of who ultimately gets the job, I’m eager to see fresh ideas come in and help me develop further.” Khela also paid tribute to former Peterborough boss Luke Williams, noting the lessons he learned during Williams’ tenure and hoping their paths might cross again. The column concludes with a spotlight on Dilan Markanday, a trailblazer who became the first British South Asian to feature for Tottenham Hotspur in the club’s 140‑year history.
Earlier this month Markanday scored a spectacular solo goal for Chesterfield in a 2‑0 victory over York City, describing the moment as reminiscent of his youthful days at Spurs. He recounted, “I ignored the advice to play it safe, took on the defender one‑on‑one, and struck it into the bottom corner. It felt like a kid back at the academy, playing with pure joy and no fear.
That feeling is what drives me to keep scoring different types of goals.” These stories collectively illustrate the vibrant and evolving landscape of South Asian representation in football, from charitable initiatives and international breakthroughs to personal resilience and community support. For more in‑depth features, video content, and the latest updates, visit Sky Sports’ dedicated South Asians in Football hub and reach out to share your perspective.