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)

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]

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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