Former England youth international Simranjit Singh Thandi says his story proves “anything is possible” as he prepares to be honoured in a pre-season friendly ahead of South Asian Heritage Month.
Singh Thandi’s reputation across Europe has grown following an impressive second half of the season for Cypriot top flight side Doxa Katkopias. The former Stoke City full-back started 16 of the team’s 18 matches and his performances have seen him named in the British South Asian Football Team of the Season for 2023/24.
The teams will be in action at Gravesend when Punjab United take on Sporting Khalsa at the Steve Cook Stadium on July 13. It will be the second commemorative match between the two teams ahead of South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from July 18 to August 17.
Punjab United and Sporting Khalsa both have Sikh owners and both teams play in the eighth tier of English football, step four of the National League system.
Singh Thandi, who spent his childhood at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Leicester (GNG Leicester FC), admitted he was excited to have his story featured in such a vibrant part of the community, five days before the start of South Asian Heritage Month.
“I’m honoured to be part of the squad this season, it’s an incredible feeling. We have some fantastic players so it’s great to be around them,” said the former England Under-17 international. Sky Sports News.
“It’s great that people are recognising what we’ve achieved.
“I feel like it gives me an opportunity to inspire others who are trying to become footballers by showing them what is possible and what they can achieve.”
“A lot of young British South Asian and Sikh people ask me how it feels now that I’ve reached this level and I tell them if you give it your all, work hard, stay focused and be consistent you can achieve anything.”
Leicester City midfielder Arjan Raikhy attended the groundbreaking South Asian Football Team of the Season presentation with Sky Sports News’ Dev Trehan during last year’s match between Sporting Khalsa and Punjab United.
“It’s important for people to know that anything is possible and I hope they can see it through to the end of whatever journey they’re on and achieve their dreams.”
Hamza: “You did really well”
Singh Thandi spent 10 years in Leicester City’s academy before turning professional with Stoke and the defender has been selected for the South Asian team of the season, reuniting him with British-Bangladeshi midfielder Hamza Choudhury.
“I remember playing with him growing up in the U-14s and U-15s and him in the U-16s and U-18s,” Singh Thandi recalled.
“I was really lucky to have known him as a kid because we both actually worked as ball boys at Leicester City’s first-team games!”
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Former Leicester youngster Sime Thandi has reflected on his move to Cypriot side AEK Larnaca, where he made his senior debut in a 4-0 win over Levski Sofia in last season’s Europa League qualifiers.
“He’s done really well, he captained the team for a few games last season and it was huge for Leicester to get promoted.”
“It’s great to be alongside him in the team of the season. It feels like being with an old friend, you know.”
British South Asians in football
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