Brandon Khela
Brandon Singh Khela (born 19 January 2005) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Birmingham City. In 2022, Khela became the first British South Asian to sign a professional contract with the club.[2]
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Brandon Khela[1] | ||
Date of birth | 19 January 2005 | ||
Place of birth | Coventry, England | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Birmingham City | ||
Number | 27 | ||
Youth career | |||
2014–2023 | Birmingham City | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2023– | Birmingham City | 1 | (0) |
International career | |||
2022 | England U17 | 2 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:57, 3 October 2023 (UTC) |
Early life and career
Khela grew up in a Sikh family in Birmingham and was introduced to football at a young age by his father and agent, Dov Singh Khela.[3] He attended Arden Academy in Solihull. [4]
Career
Khela signed a two-year professional deal with Birmingham City FC in May 2021 after impressing the coaching staff with his performances in the academy. Khela's signing was celebrated as a significant milestone in the club's history and a source of inspiration for young British South Asians who aspire to play at the highest level.[5]
Under-18s Lead Coach, Martyn Olorenshaw said that "he backs up these attributes with serious talent, being a technically gifted midfield player who likes to create from central areas and also has an eye for goal, with such ability recently earning him international recognition."[6]
During the previous season, Brandon Khela played in 14 league matches for Martyn Olorenshaw's team and eight times for Steve Spooner's development squad. As a result of his performances, he was selected to be a part of Lee Bowyer's matchday squad for the team's trip to Stoke City in February. [7]
On 8 August 2023, Khela made his Birmingham City professional debut, replacing Keshi Anderson in the 81st minute of a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.[8] He made his first Championship appearance on 3 October as a late substitute in a 4–1 win at home to Huddersfield Town.[9]
International career
In May 2022, he was called up for England U17's to face Norway and USA in away matches.[10]
Personal life
Khela's Sikh faith has played a significant role in his life and career. He has spoken about how his faith has helped him to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.[11]
In April 2023, Brandon and his brother Reiss (who is an academy player at Leicester City F.C) spoke at a Vaisakhi event hosted by the FA at Wembley Stadium.[12]
Influence on British Asian footballers
Khela's signing with Birmingham City FC has been recognised as a historic moment in British football and a source of inspiration for young footballers of South Asian descent.[13][14] He has stated he wants to be a role model for British South Asians in football. [15]
See also
References
- "EFL – Squad List 2022/23: Birmingham City – Under 21 Contract players" (PDF). English Football League. p. 3. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- "Birmingham City: Brandon Khela becomes first British South Asian to sign pro deal at club". Sky Sports News.
- "Birmingham City: Sikh-Punjabi teenager Brandon Khela makes historic appearance for Blues". Sky Sports News.
Brandon's father Dov Khela told Sky Sports News Naturally, it is a really proud moment for the family. We're delighted to see Brandon rewarded for his efforts with this historic debut for Birmingham City.
- "Brandon Khela Becomes First British Sikh to sign for Birmingham City FC". BritAsiaTv.
- "Birmingham City teen takes step closer to a 'momentous occasion'". Birmingham Live.
The 17-year-old has signed a professional contract having made progress during the first year of his scholarship in which he played for the Under-18s, U23s and even made the bench for the Championship fixture against Stoke City.
- "Blues are delighted to announce that Brandon Khela has signed a professional contract with the Football Club". Birmingham City F.C.
He backs up these attributes with serious talent, being a technically gifted midfield player who likes to create from central areas and also has an eye for goal, with such ability recently earning him international recognition.
- "Brandon Khela wants to be a role model for British South Asians in football". Birmingham City FC.
- "Report: Cheltenham Town 0-2 Blues". bcfc.com. Birmingham City F.C.
- "Birmingham City 4–1 Huddersfield Town". BBC Sport. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
- "Who is Brandon Khela? The first British South Asian who signed professional contract at Birmingham City". Eastern Eye.
- "The Sikh footballers making a name in the game". BBC.
- "Wembley played host to an open iftar for Ramadan and Vaisakhi celebration this month". The FA.
- "Brandon Khela Becomes First British South Asian Baller to Sign a Pro Deal at Birmingham City". Versus.
- "'I'M PROUD OF WHERE I'M FROM BUT I WANT TO BE RECOGNISED FOR MY TALENT.' - BRANDON KHELA ON HIS HISTORIC SIGNING FOR BIRMINGHAM CITY". Penalty Online.
- "Brandon Khela wants to be a role model for British South Asians in football". Birmingham City FC.