British South Asians In Football: 2023/24 Team Of The Season

Introduction To British South Asians In Football 2023/24

The 2023/24 football season marked another significant milestone for British South Asians making waves across men's and women's football in the UK. From record-breaking goalkeepers to prolific forwards, players of South Asian heritage have showcased their talents at multiple levels, challenging stereotypes and carving out a more prominent space within the sport.

This article highlights the best British South Asian players who made it into the 2023/24 Team of the Season, celebrating their achievements and the growing representation in English football. Their journeys inspire many and reflect the increasing diversity within the game.

Goalkeeping excellence: Jaz Singh's record-breaking campaign

Jaz Singh stood out as a phenomenal goalkeeper during the 2023/24 season. Playing for Tamworth, he helped his team secure promotion to the National League, achieving an astonishing 25 clean sheets. Remarkably, Singh went over 15 hours (905 minutes) without conceding a goal, setting a club record that hadn’t been challenged in 91 years. His unwavering focus and resilience were pivotal in Tamworth's successive promotions, and his leadership on the field earned him well-deserved recognition.

Defensive stalwarts shaping the game

British South Asian defenders also made their mark this season with notable performances across various leagues.

Asmita Ale breaks new ground

Asmita Ale made history as the first Nepali-heritage player to sign a professional contract in English football. Featuring prominently for both Tottenham and Leicester City in the Women’s Super League, Ale played a crucial role in Leicester’s historic run to the FA Cup semi-finals. Her defensive prowess helped Leicester City secure victories against Birmingham City and Liverpool, propelling the club to new heights.

Easah Suliman’s leadership in Azerbaijan

Birmingham-born Easah Suliman captained Sumgayit FK in the Azerbaijan Premier League, impressing with four goals and consistent defensive displays. He also captained Pakistan to their first-ever World Cup qualifying victory, showing leadership on an international stage that resonated with many aspiring South Asian footballers back home.

Simranjit Singh Thandi’s European breakthrough

After moving to Cyprus mid-season, Simranjit Singh Thandi became a defensive mainstay for Doxa Katokopias. Starting 16 matches and reaching 100 senior appearances, his journey illustrates the expanding opportunities for British South Asians in European leagues beyond the UK.

Mal Benning’s career-best form

Mal Benning enjoyed a resurgence at Shrewsbury Town, earning back-to-back Player of the Month awards and extending his contract. His performances at left-back combined defensive solidity with attacking contributions, making him a key figure both on the pitch and within the community, where he was honoured as the Foundation’s Community Player of the Season.

Midfield maestros driving success

The midfield saw a blend of creativity and tenacity from British South Asian players who influenced games domestically and abroad.

Hamza Choudhury’s Leicester resurgence

Returning to Leicester City after a loan spell, Hamza Choudhury signed a new contract and featured in 33 matches. He captained the side on multiple occasions during their Championship-winning campaign, often adapting to an inverted right-back role, showcasing his versatility and commitment to getting Leicester back to the Premier League.

Millie Chandarana’s record-breaking season

Midfielder Millie Chandarana was an ever-present figure for Blackburn Rovers Women. She helped the team achieve their longest unbeaten run and highest points tally in the FA Women’s Championship. Her spectacular goal against Charlton Athletic earned her the club’s Goal of the Season award for the second consecutive year.

Zidane Iqbal’s Dutch debut

Former Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal made a splash in the Eredivisie with FC Utrecht. His 29 appearances included scoring his first international goal for Iraq. Iqbal’s breakout season exemplifies the growing reach of British South Asian players across European football.

Attacking talents lighting up the pitch

British South Asian forwards and attacking midfielders displayed flair and goal-scoring prowess, making headlines and influencing crucial games.

Yan Dhanda’s Scottish Premiership impact

Yan Dhanda captained Ross County on several occasions and scored a memorable free-kick against Hearts. His leadership helped Ross County maintain their Premiership status before he moved to Hearts, highlighting his rising profile in Scottish football.

Amar Purewal’s prolific goal-scoring

At Hebburn Town, Amar Purewal captained the side to promotion by netting 30 league goals to secure the Golden Boot. His remarkable consistency and leadership were central to the team’s historic rise to Step 3 of the National League system.

Aqsa Mushtaq’s European exploits

Bradford-born Aqsa Mushtaq continued to excel in Greece with OFI Crete, scoring 10 league goals and providing eight assists. She is recognised as one of the Greek League’s best players and made history as the first Pakistani heritage woman to play professionally in Italy, inspiring many in the women’s game.

Rising stars and squad highlights

Several emerging talents completed the 2023/24 Team of the Season, underlining the depth and breadth of British South Asian footballers.

• Rohan Luthra impressed on loan at Slough Town, keeping seven clean sheets in nine games and helping reach the FA Cup first round.
• Bivesh Gurung’s 37 appearances for Maidstone United included a crucial winner against Barrow, propelling the club to the FA Cup third round for the first time in decades.
• Kira Rai helped Derby County Women win their first national trophy, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.
• Adil Nabi finished strong for Doxa Katokopias with key goals and assists, showcasing his ability to influence matches late in the season.
• Brandon Khela and Yan Dhanda made SPFL history as the first British South Asians to start together in a Scottish Premiership game.
• Dillon De Silva’s progression from Torquay United to Wealdstone and international goals for Sri Lanka demonstrated his upward trajectory.
• Riya Mannu became the first British South Asian to play league football for Birmingham City Women and was named academy player of the season.
• Dilan Markanday contributed significantly for Blackburn Rovers, scoring twice in the EFL Cup and making 27 appearances overall.
• Tarryn Allarakhia made history at the Africa Cup of Nations, the first British South Asian in the modern era to do so, also representing Wealdstone FC.
• Simran Jhamat and Nathan Minhas rounded off the squad with impressive goal-scoring feats for West Brom Women and Slough Town respectively.

The growing influence and what lies ahead

The 2023/24 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season not only celebrates individual excellence but highlights the community’s increasing impact on the sport’s fabric in the UK and abroad. These players’ stories of perseverance and success are crucial in inspiring future generations and breaking down barriers.

With organisations like the Football Association launching dedicated South Asian inclusion plans and initiatives, the pathway continues to widen. The achievements this season set a solid foundation for greater representation and recognition in both men's and women's football.

For more inspiring stories from diverse sporting fields, you might enjoy our coverage of British gymnastics shining with fresh talent and historic wins or the remarkable journey of Molly McCann and the future of British boxing.

Conclusion

The 2023/24 season has been a landmark year for British South Asians in football, showcasing talent across positions and leagues. From Jaz Singh’s goalkeeping heroics to Aqsa Mushtaq’s pioneering role in European women’s football, the community’s footprint is unmistakable and growing.

As more players break through and organisations support inclusion, British South Asians are set to play an even greater role in shaping the future of football in the UK. Their success stories serve as motivation for young players and fans alike, reinforcing that football truly is a game for everyone.

To stay updated on football’s diverse narratives, follow our ongoing coverage and feel free to contact us with your thoughts or stories.