Welcome to Dev's Digest, the forward‑thinking Sky Sports column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive scoops and thoughtful commentary on the most significant stories affecting British South Asians in football. In a charitable twist, the shirt Hamza Choudhury wore when Leicester City lifted the 2021 FA Cup against Chelsea will soon be placed under the hammer. Sky Sports News has learned that the framed jersey will be sold at a fundraiser for the Children Not Numbers charity, an organization dedicated to helping children caught in the Gaza conflict.
The event is being coordinated by Nujum Sports, a body that represents Muslim athletes across the UK. Choudhury, who concluded a 21‑year spell with Leicester before moving to Sheffield United this summer, is slated to appear as a guest speaker at the London gathering on October 25. His presence underscores the growing link between professional footballers and humanitarian causes, particularly those that resonate with the South Asian community.
Beyond the auction, Choudhury’s influence can be seen on the international stage. At the recent ASEAN Cup, Fulham’s promising youngster Farhaan Ali Wahid followed in Choudhury’s footsteps by earning his first cap for Bangladesh. Wahid, currently on loan at National League leaders Boreham Wood, entered the match from the bench and found the net on his second appearance, despite Bangladesh’s 2‑1 loss to Indonesia.
His goal marked him as only the second Premier League‑affiliated player ever to represent Bangladesh, highlighting the expanding footprint of South Asian talent in top‑flight football. Further afield, Oxford City winger Dillon De Silva shone for Sri Lanka, scoring in a 3‑0 triumph over Seychelles and then adding another goal in a 2‑0 win during the two‑legged series on Mahe Island.
De Silva’s performances illustrate how players of South Asian descent are making their mark for a variety of national teams, enriching the global game with diverse cultural narratives. The column also turns to the troubling incident involving Dundee United midfielder Zidane Iqbal. After representing Iraq on international duty, Iqbal faced a wave of verbal and online abuse directed at his British‑Pakistani heritage. He publicly addressed the harassment, explaining that the slurs were tied to his family background rather than his on‑field conduct.
In response, fellow South Asian footballers Mal Benning and Kam Kandola have voiced their solidarity. Benning, who recently received the Football Pioneer award at the Asian Football Awards, spoke to Sky Sports News, expressing his disappointment: "It’s heartbreaking to see Zidane targeted. He’s a role model for South Asians aspiring to professional football, having already featured at the World Cup.
We hope this episode is an isolated incident and doesn’t deter future talent from pursuing their dreams. As a community we must rally around him and ensure he feels supported." Kandola, the recipient of the Non‑League Player accolade, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of heritage pride: "We stand with Zidane. It takes courage to confront prejudice, and his composure is commendable. Young players need to see that their background is a strength, not a liability." At the Asian Football Awards, other South Asian stars were celebrated.
Wrexham and Pakistan forward Mariam Mahmood secured the Women’s Player award, while her teammate, Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, earned the Women’s Young Player prize. Their achievements highlight the rising visibility of women of South Asian descent in the sport. Men’s Young Player Brandon Khela, who recently voiced excitement about the possibility of Robbie Savage taking over as Peterborough United manager, praised Savage’s experience: "Having played in the Premier League, he represents the level I aim to reach.
Learning from someone who’s been there would be invaluable, regardless of who ultimately gets the job." Khela also reflected on his former Peterborough boss, Luke Williams, noting, "I have a lot of respect for Luke. He taught me many lessons, and I hope our paths cross again in the future." The column concludes with a look at Dilan Markanday, a trailblazer who became the first British South Asian to appear for Tottenham Hotspur in the club’s 140‑year history. Earlier this month, Markanday scored a dramatic late winner for Chesterfield against York City, describing the moment as a return to the fearless youngster he once was at Spurs.
He explained, "In the 96th minute I still had the energy to push forward. When the ball arrived at the halfway line, I ignored the suggestion to simply hold it up and instead took on a defender, then another, before slotting it into the bottom corner. It felt like reliving my Tottenham days, playing with the joy of a kid in a playground – no fear, just pure love for the game." Markanday’s story, along with the many others featured here, underscores a broader narrative: British South Asian footballers are not only breaking barriers on the pitch but also using their platforms to champion social causes, inspire the next generation, and celebrate their cultural identities.
For more in‑depth stories, features, and video content, visit the pioneering South Asians in Football hub on Sky Sports and reach out to share your own perspective.