Game-Changer: Sikh-Punjabi Teen Makes History with Birmingham City Debut
Brandon Khela, an 18-year-old Sikh-Punjabi teenager, creates history by making his debut for Birmingham City His father expresses immense pride, stating that the family is delighted to see Brandon's hard work being rewarded with this significant milestone A monumental moment for British South Asians in football
Punjabi teenager Brandon Khela made history as the first British South Asian to debut for Birmingham City's men's first-team in their triumphant Carabao Cup match against Cheltenham Town. Khela, serving as a late substitute, contributed to Birmingham's 2-0 win on Tuesday evening. Junior Bacuna secured both goals, leading Birmingham to secure their position in the second round of the Carabao Cup after their draw against Swansea on the opening weekend.
Brandon's father, Dov Khela, expressed his pride in an interview with We News: "We are incredibly proud as a family. It brings us great joy to witness Brandon's hard work and dedication being recognized with this momentous opportunity to debut for Birmingham City."
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After the game, Brandon expressed his exhilaration, exclaiming, "I feel ecstatic, absolutely thrilled. This was a significant occasion for both my family and me. Furthermore, I am pleased with our victory in the game. Altogether, it was a splendid evening."
Khela garnered experience in Birmingham City's U23s during the previous season and secured his inaugural professional contract at the club slightly over a year ago.
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Showing immense technical skill, the midfielder caught Lee Bowyer's attention during his time leading Blues. Impressed by the young Sikh-Punjabi player, the former England midfielder granted him a spot on the bench for Birmingham's 2-2 draw against Stoke in the 2021/22 season.
Khela, who began his football journey at the tender age of three, had the opportunity to join his hometown club, Coventry City. However, he decided to make the move to Birmingham after being scouted by the club. Since then, he has proudly represented Birmingham at every level in various age groups.
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Brandon, a former student of Arden Academy, has already represented England in youth football. He is not the sole football prodigy in the family, as his younger brother Reiss recently commenced his scholarship with Leicester City.
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His debut, occurring during South Heritage Month, provides a major boost for a community that continues to be significantly underrepresented within English football. Sanjay Bhandari, the chair of Kick It Out, referred to this disparity as "the most notable statistical abnormality in the sport."
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Khela's debut has been a significant milestone for Birmingham City and the British South Asian community in football this year. It follows the groundbreaking achievement of Layla Banaras, who, at the age of 16, became the first woman of South Asian heritage to represent Birmingham City Women. This event is a testament to the progress made in inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
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Banaras, who has been with Birmingham since the age of eight, came on as a substitute in a 4-0 Women's FA Cup win against Huddersfield at St Andrew's.
Speaking after that game, Birmingham manager Darren Carter said Banaras was fully deserving of her first-team opportunity.
"I said before she went on that she has earnt the chance," Carter said.
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Since actively participating in our training sessions on a daily basis, it's evident that she has significantly grown stronger and more self-assured. It is evident that she has earned this development through her unwavering commitment and outstanding attitude. As a result, she undeniably earned the opportunity to step onto the playing field.
Banaras was prominently featured in the first-ever timeline documenting the journey of South Asian heritage players in the modern English game. The timeline was proudly showcased at Stamford Bridge and Wembley Stadium earlier this year.
