The 2022/23 season showcased significant advancements for British South Asians in football, with impactful performances across leagues. A selected Team of the Season highlighted standout players, including Safia Middleton-Patel, Asmita Ale, and Yan Dhanda, among others. Their achievements reflect the community’s growing presence in the sport, from international debuts to successful club campaigns, emphasizing the ongoing progress in representation within football.
The 2022/23 football season marked significant progress for British South Asians, with players making notable contributions across various leagues. Sky Sports journalist Dev Trehan collaborated with Zohaib Rashid from Desi Ballers to establish a unique Team of the Season, spotlighting these athletes’ achievements.
In goal, Manchester United’s Safia Middleton-Patel had a remarkable season, earning her first professional contract and achieving a clean sheet on her senior international debut for Wales. She played in the FA Women’s Championship, gaining invaluable experience through loan spells at Coventry United and Blackburn Rovers.
Defender Asmita Ale had a solid season with Tottenham, featuring prominently in the Women’s Super League and for England’s U23s, while Easah Suliman, on loan to UD Vilafranquense, received his first call-up to the Pakistan national team. Mal Benning played a key role in Port Vale’s League One campaign, contributing 39 appearances and scoring important goals.
In midfield, Grimsby Town’s Otis Khan made 31 league appearances, excelling in the FA Cup and earning an international call-up for Pakistan. After a loan to Watford, Hamza Choudhury became one of their top performers, securing an extension to his contract with Leicester City. Millie Chandarana impressed Blackburn Rovers with her consistency and earned their Goal of the Season with a standout strike.
Yan Dhanda had a productive season with Ross County, contributing significantly with six goals and ten assists, helping his team to remain in the Premiership. West Bromwich Albion’s Mariam Mahmood emerged as the team’s top scorer, while Kira Rai achieved her best season yet, culminating in a dominant performance on the final matchday.
Goalkeeper Rohan Luthra made history with a debut for Preston, while Sai Sachdev made strides at Sheffield United, and Aaron Drewe established himself with QPR. Layla Banaras made history as Birmingham City women’s first player of South Asian heritage, and Ronan Maher made his debut for Walsall.
Aqsa Mushtaq and Simran Jhamat each had successful campaigns, with Mushtaq moving up from Europe to join Lewes and Jhamat featuring prominently for Coventry United. Notably, Dilan Markanday performed well in the Championship and the Carabao Cup before excelling on loan at Aberdeen.
Torquay United’s Dillon De Silva stood out during his loan from QPR, while Kiban Rai made his league debut for Newport County. Nadia Khan etched her name in history as the first Pakistani woman to score four goals in an international match. Lastly, Zahmena Malik contributed significantly for London Seaward and captured international attention with her assist and goal. Former England U17 international Adil Nabi continues his campaign in Greece, enhancing the diversity and talent in the sport.
Original Source: www.skysports.com
