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]

Brandon Singh Khela
Personal information
Full name Brandon Khela[1]
Date of birth (2005-01-19) 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
  1. "EFL – Squad List 2022/23: Birmingham City – Under 21 Contract players" (PDF). English Football League. p. 3. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  2. "Birmingham City: Brandon Khela becomes first British South Asian to sign pro deal at club". Sky Sports News.
  3. "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.
  4. "Brandon Khela Becomes First British Sikh to sign for Birmingham City FC". BritAsiaTv.
  5. "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.
  6. "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.
  7. "Brandon Khela wants to be a role model for British South Asians in football". Birmingham City FC.
  8. "Report: Cheltenham Town 0-2 Blues". bcfc.com. Birmingham City F.C.
  9. "Birmingham City 4–1 Huddersfield Town". BBC Sport. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  10. "Who is Brandon Khela? The first British South Asian who signed professional contract at Birmingham City". Eastern Eye.
  11. "The Sikh footballers making a name in the game". BBC.
  12. "Wembley played host to an open iftar for Ramadan and Vaisakhi celebration this month". The FA.
  13. "Brandon Khela Becomes First British South Asian Baller to Sign a Pro Deal at Birmingham City". Versus.
  14. "'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.
  15. "Brandon Khela wants to be a role model for British South Asians in football". Birmingham City FC.
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