The South Asian football community rejoiced when they announced the Team of the Season in 2024/25. This thrilling tournament highlighted the incredible depth of talent at clubs and leagues across North America. In Danny Batth, this year’s captain, they had an excellent example to follow as he was outstanding over the course of the entire season. The team highlights the achievements of several players who have made significant contributions to their respective clubs, demonstrating the growing influence of South Asians in football.
Danny Batth, who captained the side, rounded out a breakout season by appearing in 44 matches. He made his 150th appearance in League One and brought up his 400th senior career appearance. His leadership proved vital as he played a crucial role in Rovers’ pursuit of Championship play-offs, making 37 league appearances.
Stellar Performances Across the Board
Mal Benning, a steadfast performer for Shrewsbury Town, emerged as one of the most consistent players during a challenging campaign for the club. His indomitable spirit and work ethic on the field made him a favorite among players and fans too.
One of the standout talents this season has been Nottingham Forest star Millie Chandarana. She not only showcased her skills on the field but celebrated a personal milestone by securing her first trophy in senior football—the FA Women’s National League Cup. Her achievement is more than just a footballing success. It represents the hope and skill that exists in women’s football—especially within the South Asian community.
Brandon Khela started his season with a beauty!!! He went on to make his Birmingham City debut in a 1-0 victory against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup. His early-season performance helped establish a great tone for the season, both for him personally and for his club.
Rising Stars Make Their Mark
Homegrown individual magic shined through too with the likes of Dilan Markanday. His ability to cause defenders problems was evident from his highly effective loan spells at Leyton Orient and Chesterfield. Scoring 10 goals and providing four assists, Markanday helped both teams reach their respective play-offs, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the footballing world.
At the same time, Ale’s regularity in the Leicester City starting XI was impressive. Featuring in 17 of the team’s 21 league matches thus far, she contributed three assists, showcasing her importance to the team’s overall performance.
Simran Jhamat is another name that turned heads this season, scoring 11 goals for West Bromwich Albion Women. She notably equaled her lifetime best from last season. This performance puts her on the map as a key piece in the team.
Key Contributors to Team Success
None swayed the fortunes of either the player or the club as much as Hamza Choudhury’s January loan spell to Sheffield United. Choudhury has made a seamless transition to the promotion-chasing side. On the last day of his loan at Bradford City, he came back to BGS and proudly showed off his winner’s medal. Indeed, his uncanny ability to thrive in the biggest moments has quickly become the calling card of his young career.
Singh’s performances for Tamworth this season turned heads. He shot to fame for saving two penalties against Burton Albion. This remarkable achievement was enough for Tamworth to receive a much-coveted dream third-round home tie against mighty Tottenham. His contributions were pivotal in leading his side to a top-half finish on their return to the National League.
The selection process for this esteemed team involved input from Dev Trehan, a Sky Sports journalist and FA Level 2 scout, who collaborated with Zohaib Rashid to identify this year’s standout players.
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