The 2023/24 football season has been a landmark year for British South Asian talent across the English football pyramid and beyond. From record-breaking goalkeepers to history-making attackers, these players have not only excelled individually but also broken barriers for their communities. Crickex brings you an in-depth analysis of this season’s standout performers in our exclusive South Asians in Football Team of the Season.
Breaking Barriers Across the Football Pyramid
This season witnessed British South Asian representation at nearly every level of the game. While Premier League representation remains elusive, players from these communities made significant impacts in the Championship, Women’s Super League, National League, and even international competitions.
According to football analyst Raj Patel of Crickex, “The 2023/24 season saw more South Asian players in professional football than any previous campaign. What’s particularly exciting is seeing them not just making up numbers, but becoming key players for their teams.”
Goalkeeping Excellence: Jaz Singh’s Record-Breaking Season
Between the posts, Jaz Singh delivered one of the most remarkable goalkeeping performances in recent memory. The Tamworth shot-stopper played a pivotal role in his club’s back-to-back promotions, culminating in their National League title win.
Singh’s statistics are staggering:
- 25 clean sheets in the season
- 905 consecutive minutes without conceding (a club record)
- 15 hours of shutout football during the campaign
“Jaz’s performances this season have been nothing short of phenomenal,” notes Crickex goalkeeping specialist Mike Thompson. “His command of the penalty area and shot-stopping ability would make him an asset to any team in the Football League.”
Defensive Rocks: From England to Azerbaijan
Asmita Ale – The Trailblazing Defender
Ale made history as the first Nepali-heritage player to sign a professional contract in English football. Her season was split between Tottenham and Leicester City in the WSL, where she played a crucial role in Leicester’s historic FA Cup run to the semifinals.
Easah Suliman – Captain Fantastic
The Pakistan national team captain led by example for Sumgayit FK in Azerbaijan’s top flight. Suliman scored four goals from center-back and captained Pakistan to their first-ever World Cup qualifying victory against Cambodia.
Simranjit Singh Thandi – Cypriot Adventure
After leaving Leicester’s academy, Thandi established himself as a defensive mainstay for Doxa Katokopias in Cyprus. Starting 16 of 18 matches, his versatility across the backline proved invaluable.
Mal Benning – League One Stalwart
Benning continued his impressive EFL career with Shrewsbury Town, earning back-to-back Player of the Month awards and a new two-year contract extension.
Midfield Maestros: Creativity and Control
Hamza Choudhury – Leicester’s Promotional Hero
The British-Bangladeshi midfielder was instrumental in Leicester’s immediate return to the Premier League. His 33 appearances included several matches as captain, often playing in an innovative inverted right-back role.
Millie Chandarana – Blackburn’s Record-Breaker
Chandarana was ever-present as Blackburn Rovers Women achieved their highest-ever points tally in the FA Women’s Championship. Her spectacular strike against Charlton earned Goal of the Season honors for the second consecutive year.
Zidane Iqbal – Dutch Adventure
After leaving Manchester United, Iqbal flourished in the Eredivisie with FC Utrecht. The Iraqi international made 29 appearances across club and country, scoring his first international goal.
Attacking Prowess: Goals and Glory
Yan Dhanda – Scottish Premiership Star
Dhanda’s influence at Ross County was immense, captaining the side on multiple occasions. His stunning free-kick against Hearts was a season highlight before his summer move to Hearts.
Amar Purewal – Non-League Goal Machine
Purewal’s 30-goal haul fired Hebburn Town to promotion, earning him the divisional Golden Boot and a place in non-league folklore.
Aqsa Mushtaq – Greek Superstar
The Bradford-born forward continued her European adventure with OFI Crete, contributing 10 goals and 8 assists as her team finished second in Greece.
The Supporting Cast: Squad Players Who Shone
The Crickex Team of the Season squad also includes:
- Rohan Luthra: Seven clean sheets in nine games for Slough Town
- Bivesh Gurung: FA Cup hero for Maidstone United
- Kira Rai: Derby County’s history-maker
- Adil Nabi: Late-season flourish in Cyprus
- Brandon Khela: SPFL trailblazer with Ross County
- Dillon De Silva: International star for Sri Lanka
- Riya Mannu: Birmingham City’s teenage sensation
- Dilan Markanday: Blackburn’s cup specialist
- Tarryn Allarakhia: Africa Cup of Nations pioneer
- Simran Jhamat: West Brom’s top scorer
- Nathan Minhas: 17 goals for Slough Town
The Future Looks Bright
As Crickex South Asian football correspondent Dev Trehan observes, “This season has shown that British South Asians aren’t just participating in football – they’re excelling at every level. From non-league to international tournaments, these players are writing new chapters in football history.”
The 2023/24 season has undoubtedly been a watershed moment for South Asian representation in football. With young talents emerging and established players reaching new heights, the future looks brighter than ever for these communities in the beautiful game.
What do you think of our Team of the Season selections? Who would make your XI? Share your thoughts with Crickex in the comments below!
