Welcome to Dev's Digest, the influential Sky Sports column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive scoops and offers 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 triumphed over Chelsea in the 2021 FA Cup final is set to go under the hammer later this month. Sky Sports News has obtained the exclusive details.
The jersey, presented in a framed display, will be featured at a fundraising gala for the Children Not Numbers charity, an organisation that supports youngsters whose lives have been disrupted by 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 in the summer, has been invited to speak at the London fundraiser on October 25. His presence underscores the link between professional sport and humanitarian outreach.
Beyond the auction, Choudhury’s recent involvement in the ASEAN Cup highlighted the growing impact of South Asian talent on the international stage. Fulham’s academy prospect Farhaan Ali Wahid, following Choudhury’s footsteps, earned his first cap for Bangladesh, becoming only the second Premier League‑affiliated player ever to represent the South Asian nation. Wahid, currently on loan at National League leaders Boreham Wood, entered the match as a substitute and found the net in his second appearance for Bangladesh during Thursday’s loss to Indonesia. His goal added a bright spot to an otherwise disappointing result and signalled the potential for more South Asian players to break into senior international football.
Further down the globe, Oxford City winger Dillon De Silva made a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s campaign, scoring in a 3‑0 victory over Seychelles and then adding another goal in a 2‑0 win in the return fixture on Mahe Island. De Silva’s performances illustrate the widening footprint of British‑South Asian players across multiple national teams.
In domestic news, Mal Benning and Kam Kandola have publicly voiced their support for fellow British‑South Asian midfielder Zidane Iqbal after the Dundee United player endured abusive remarks while on international duty with Iraq. Iqbal, who was born in Manchester to a British‑Pakistani family, disclosed that he faced both verbal and online harassment because of his heritage. Iqbal was unable to collect his Men’s Player of the Year trophy at the Asian Football Awards – an event where Benning was also honoured with the Football Pioneer award, as revealed in last month’s edition of Dev’s Digest.
Prior to the ceremony, Benning, a four‑time member of the South Asians in Football Team of the Season, told Sky Sports News: "It’s heartbreaking to hear that Zidane has been subjected to that kind of abuse. He is a role model for South Asian footballers – he’s even played at a World Cup.
I hope this is an isolated incident and doesn’t discourage any young South Asian aspiring to turn professional. As a community we must rally around him, support him, and ensure he knows we stand with him." Kam Kandola, who received the Non‑League Player award, echoed the sentiment, praising Iqbal’s courage: "We all stand with him and it’s vital that he feels proud of his background. Some people shy away from these issues, but Zidane confronted them head‑on for himself and his heritage.
I’m genuinely impressed by how he handled the situation." The Asian Football Awards also celebrated other South Asian talent. Wrexham and Pakistan forward Mariam Mahmood secured the Women’s Player award, while her compatriot, Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, was named Women’s Young Player.
Their achievements highlight the increasing visibility of South Asian women in the sport. In the men’s categories, Brandon Khela, who captured the Men’s Young Player accolade, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of former Wales international Robbie Savage taking over as Peterborough United manager. Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince confirmed that Savage has been offered the role and that negotiations are underway.
Khela, a former Birmingham City midfielder, reflected on what he could learn from Savage, noting: "He’s played at the highest level in the Premier League – that’s the destination I’m aiming for. I think I could pick up a lot of insight from his experience, regardless of who ultimately gets the job.
I still have a lot to improve, and any opportunity to learn is welcome." Khela also offered a measured tribute to Luke Williams, who was dismissed as Peterborough manager a fortnight earlier, saying: "I have many positive things to say about Luke. He taught me a lot, and I hope our paths cross again in the future." Another inspiring story came from Dilan Markanday, who described his late‑game winner for Chesterfield as a reminder of the fearless youngster who once dazzled as Tottenham Hotspur’s most promising academy prospect. Markanday made history five years ago when he became the first British‑South Asian to feature for Tottenham in a European competition, breaking a 140‑year‑old barrier.
Speaking after Chesterfield’s 2‑0 triumph over York City, Markanday recounted the moment: "It was around the 96th minute. I still had energy left, and when the ball arrived on the halfway line, the manager and some fans were urging me to play it safe and cross. I chose to go one‑on‑one with the defender, beat him, took on another opponent, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The feeling was pure joy – I felt like that kid again at Spurs, taking on defenders without fear." He added that the goal encapsulated his philosophy: "I want to keep scoring different types of goals and enjoy the game with that child‑like enthusiasm.
No pressure, no need to prove anything – just love playing. I’ll try to remember that mindset and keep the fear out of my football." These narratives, ranging from charitable initiatives to personal triumphs and community solidarity, underscore the vibrant and growing influence of South Asian players within British football and beyond. For further stories, in‑depth features, and video content, visit the pioneering South Asians in Football hub on Sky Sports, and feel free to contact us to share your perspective.