Choudhury’s FA Cup final shirt goes under the hammer for Gaza charity
Choudhury’s Leicester shirt to raise money for children affected by conflict
Hamza Choudhury’s shirt from Leicester City’s 2021 FA Cup final win over Chelsea is to be auctioned at a charity fundraiser later this month, Sky Sports reported. The event, organised by Muslim athlete representation body Nujum Sports, will raise money for Children Not Numbers, which supports children affected by the conflict in Gaza.
The framed shirt will be auctioned at the London event on October 25, where Choudhury is also scheduled to speak. The midfielder ended his 21-year association with Leicester to join Sheffield United over the summer, according to the report.
South Asian footballers rally behind Zidane Iqbal
Mal Benning and Kam Kandola voiced their support for Dundee United midfielder Zidane Iqbal after he said he had been subjected to verbal and online abuse because his father is British-Pakistani. Iqbal, who was on international duty with Iraq, spoke publicly about the abuse last weekend.
Benning, recognised with the Football Pioneer award at the Asian Football Awards, said: “For him to experience that abuse is saddening.” He described Iqbal as “a great example for South Asians playing football” and said the community should “stick together” and support him.
Kandola, who received the Non-League Player award, said: “We all stand by him and it’s important that he is proud of his heritage.” He praised Iqbal for speaking out rather than shying away from the situation.
Other Asian Football Award winners included Wrexham and Pakistan forward Mariam Mahmood, named Women’s Player, and Lewes midfielder Layla Banaras, who took the Women’s Young Player prize. Brandon Khela won the Men’s Young Player award.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka internationals find the net
Fulham youngster Farhaan Ali Wahid made his Bangladesh debut at the ASEAN Cup, becoming the second Premier League footballer in history to represent the national team, the report said. On his second appearance, the player—currently on loan at National League leaders Boreham Wood—scored in a defeat to Indonesia.
Oxford City winger Dillon De Silva scored for Sri Lanka in a 3-0 win over Seychelles, then found the net again in a 2-0 victory in the return fixture on Mahe Island.
Khela welcomes prospect of learning from Savage
Khela said he was excited by the possibility of Robbie Savage taking charge at Peterborough United. Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince had said Savage was offered the role, with the clubs negotiating terms. Khela said Savage’s experience at the highest level could offer valuable lessons, while stressing he was ready to work with whoever was appointed. He also praised former Peterborough manager Luke Williams, who had been dismissed two weeks earlier.
Markanday wants to keep playing without fear
Chesterfield forward Dilan Markanday reflected on his late solo goal in a 2-0 win over York City, ahead of the club’s match against Tranmere. He said he chose to attack rather than run the ball into the corner after receiving possession near halfway in the closing minutes.
“My eyes lit up as soon as I got one-vs-one with the defender,” Markanday said. He beat two opponents before finishing into the bottom corner, describing the moment as a return to the fearless style he had as a youngster at Tottenham. “I just want to keep continuing to score goals, different types of goals and just enjoy my football,” he said.