Welcome to Dev's Digest, the forward‑thinking Sky Sports column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive scoops and thoughtful commentary on the most significant moments for British South Asians in football. In this edition we cover a charitable auction of a historic FA Cup shirt, celebrate the achievements of emerging talent, and highlight the solidarity shown by South Asian players in the face of abuse.
First up, a remarkable piece of football 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 placed on the block later this month. Sky Sports News has secured the exclusive details.
The shirt, carefully framed, will be sold at a fundraising event organized by Nujum Sports, the body that represents Muslim athletes across the UK. Proceeds will go to Children Not Numbers, a charity that supports children caught up in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 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 25 October. His presence underscores the link between sport, community, and philanthropy, and offers a platform to raise awareness about the plight of youngsters living in conflict zones.
While Choudhury prepares for his new chapter, another British‑South‑Asian youngster is making headlines on the international stage. Fulham prospect Farhaan Ali Wahid followed in Choudhury’s footsteps by earning his first cap for Bangladesh, becoming only the second Premier League‑affiliated player ever to represent the South Asian nation.
Currently on loan at National League leaders Boreham Wood, Wahid entered the match against Indonesia as a substitute and promptly found the net on his second appearance, showcasing his composure and goal‑scoring instinct. The Asian football narrative continued with Oxford City winger Dillon De Silva, who shone for Sri Lanka in a double‑header against Seychelles. De Silva helped his side to a 3‑0 victory in the first fixture and added another goal in the return leg, a 2‑0 win on Mahe Island, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable attacking outlet for the island nation.
Beyond the pitch, British South Asian footballers have rallied around teammate Zidane Iqbal after he endured verbal and online abuse while representing Iraq on international duty. Mal Benning and Kam Kandola, both of South Asian heritage, publicly voiced their support. Iqbal, born in Manchester to a British‑Pakistani family, bravely addressed the harassment in a recent press conference, describing the hurtful comments he received because of his background.
Benning, who was honoured with the Football Pioneer award at the Asian Football Awards, reflected on the incident: “It’s disheartening to see a player of Zidane’s calibre subjected to such treatment. He is a role model for South Asians aspiring to professional football, having already featured at the World Cup. This should be a one‑off incident, not a deterrent for future talent. Our community must stand together and back him fully.” Kandola, the recipient of the Non‑League Player award, echoed the sentiment: “I’m proud of Zidane for standing up for his heritage.
It takes courage to confront prejudice, especially when you’re in the public eye. We all stand behind him and encourage other young players to be proud of who they are.” The Asian Football Awards also celebrated other standout performers. Wrexham forward Mariam Mahmood captured the Women’s Player accolade, while her Lebanon‑born teammate, Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, secured the Women’s Young Player award, highlighting the growing influence of South Asian women in the sport.
In the men’s categories, Brandon Khela, the Men’s Young Player winner, expressed excitement about the possibility of Robbie Savage taking over as Peterborough United manager. Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince confirmed that Savage had been approached for the role, with negotiations underway. Khela, a former Birmingham City midfielder, said: “Learning from someone like Robbie, who has Premier League experience, would be invaluable.
Regardless of who is appointed, I’m eager to see the next chapter for the club and to keep improving my own game.” Khela also paid tribute to former Peterborough boss Luke Williams, who was dismissed a fortnight earlier: “I have a lot of respect for Luke. He taught me many lessons, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.” Another inspiring story comes from Dilan Markanday, who recently became the first British South Asian to feature for Tottenham Hotspur in the club’s 140‑year history when he appeared in a European match under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Markanday’s solo strike for Chesterfield against York City sparked memories of his teenage days at Spurs. He described the goal as a “child‑like moment of pure joy,” recalling the freedom he felt when taking on defenders and reminding himself to play without fear. His performance illustrates how representation can fuel confidence and ambition among younger players of similar backgrounds. These narratives—ranging from charitable initiatives and historic caps to collective solidarity against discrimination—underscore the vibrant and increasingly influential presence of South Asian athletes in British football.
As the community continues to break barriers, the stories shared in Dev’s Digest aim to inspire, inform, and unite fans and players alike. For more in‑depth features, interviews, and video content, explore the dedicated South Asians in Football hub on Sky Sports.com, and feel free to contact us with your thoughts and suggestions.