Welcome to Dev's Digest, the influential Sky Sports column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive updates and examines the most significant stories affecting British South Asians in football. In this edition we cover a charitable auction of a historic FA Cup shirt, the achievements of emerging South Asian players, and the solidarity shown by fellow footballers after a disturbing incident involving Dundee United midfielder Zidane Iqbal. Hamza Choudhury's match‑day shirt from Leicester City's dramatic 2021 FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea will soon be put up for auction, Sky Sports News reveals. The jersey, carefully framed, is slated to be sold at a fundraising event for the Children Not Numbers charity, an organisation that supports youngsters impacted by the war in Gaza.
The auction is being organized 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, has been invited to speak at the London gathering on 25 October.
His presence will add a personal touch to the cause, highlighting how football can be a platform for humanitarian outreach. While Choudhury prepares for his new chapter, another South Asian talent is making headlines on the international stage.
Fulham 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 from the bench and found the net in his second appearance, scoring against Indonesia despite the team’s eventual loss. His breakthrough marks him as only the second Premier League‑affiliated player ever to represent Bangladesh, underscoring the growing influence of British South Asian footballers abroad. Further down the globe, Oxford City winger Dillon De Silva has been a key figure for Sri Lanka.
De Silva helped his nation to a convincing 3‑0 victory over Seychelles and then added another goal in a 2‑0 win during the return leg of the double‑header held on Mahe Island. His performances illustrate how diaspora players are increasingly becoming pivotal for their ancestral national teams. The column also turns to a more sobering story involving Zidane Iqbal, the Dundee United midfielder who recently endured verbal and online abuse because of his British‑Pakistani heritage. Iqbal, who was on international duty with Iraq when the harassment occurred, spoke openly to reporters about the hateful messages he received.
His courage in addressing the issue has prompted a wave of support from fellow South Asian footballers. Mal Benning and Kam Kandola, both of whom were honoured at the Asian Football Awards, publicly stood with Iqbal.
Benning, a four‑time member of the South Asians in Football Team of the Season, expressed his disappointment, saying, "It’s heartbreaking to see Zidane targeted. He is a role model for South Asians, having played at the World Cup, and his experience should not deter any young player from pursuing a professional career. We must rally as a community and ensure he feels backed at every step." Kam Kandola, who received the Non‑League Player award, echoed similar sentiments: "We all stand by Zidane. It takes real bravery to confront prejudice, especially when it strikes at your identity.
I’m proud of him for speaking out and hope his example encourages others to embrace their heritage without fear." At the Asian Football Awards, other South Asian talents were celebrated. Mariam Mahmood, a forward for Wrexham and Pakistan, claimed the Women’s Player award, while her teammate, Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, was named Women’s Young Player.
Their achievements highlight the expanding presence of South Asian women in the sport. The awards also shone a light on rising male stars.
Brandon Khela, the Men’s Young Player winner, discussed the excitement surrounding the possible appointment of former Wales international Robbie Savage as Peterborough United manager. Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince confirmed that negotiations were underway for Savage to take the role. Khela, who once played for Birmingham City’s youth set‑up, said, "Savage’s Premier League experience is something I aspire to.
Learning from him would be invaluable, regardless of who ultimately gets the job. I’m eager to improve and soak up any knowledge I can." Khela also paid tribute to Luke Williams, who was dismissed as Peterborough’s manager a fortnight earlier, noting, "I have a lot of respect for Luke. He taught me many lessons, and I hope our paths cross again in the future." Another breakthrough story comes from Dilan Markanday, who recently became the first British South Asian to appear for Tottenham Hotspur in the club’s 140‑year history when he featured in a European fixture under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Markanday’s solo strike for Chesterfield against York City – a 96th‑minute winner in a 2‑0 triumph – reminded him of his early days at Spurs. He told Sky Sports News, "When the ball rolled to me on the halfway line, I ignored the advice to play it safe and went for the one‑on‑one. Scoring that goal felt like a kid again, fearless and pure joy.
I want to keep scoring different types of goals and play with that childlike enthusiasm, without any fear or need to prove anything." Markanday’s comments encapsulate a broader theme throughout the digest: the importance of confidence, heritage, and community support for South Asian footballers navigating professional pathways. For more in‑depth stories, features, and video content, visit the pioneering South Asians in Football hub on skysports.com. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences with the editorial team via the contact link provided.