Wigan Athletic First Team Coach Shadab Iftikhar was presented with the prestigious award on Wednesday 25 September

Shadab Iftikhar wins the Professional Coach Award at the Asian Football Awards!
Shadab's work in coaching and development was celebrated at the Asian Football Awards on Wednesday 25 September
The Latics First Team Coach was presented with his prestigious award at Wembley Stadium

Wigan Athletic First Team Coach Shadab Iftikhar was recognised at the Asian Football Awards, proudly winning the Professional Coach Award.

Iftikhar has been a source of inspiration for the South Asian community, and his work in coaching and development was highlighted on Wednesday 25 September at Wembley Stadium.

The Asian Football Awards (AFA), in association with Currencies 4 You, is an event that celebrates the achievements of South Asians in the UK football industry, attracted widespread support from top football organisations, including The FA, The Premier League, The PFA, PGMOL, and Fans for Diversity.

The evening brought together football professionals, community leaders, and rising stars, showcasing the vital contributions made by South Asians at every level of the game. Hosted by Sky Sports News presenter Dharmesh Sheth, the event featured a gala dinner, guest panel discussions, and the prestigious awards ceremony, honouring players, coaches, match officials, grassroots clubs, media personnel, and more.

The evening highlighted the growing impact of South Asians in football and served as a powerful reminder of the talent emerging from these communities.

It was a special moment in the career of Iftikhar, who joined Latics in the summer from Pakistan's Men's U20s. He made an emotional return to the Football Club, the place where it all started.

In his late teens, Iftikhar was fascinated with Roberto Martinez’s style of play at Latics and decided to study his method of play to therefore learn from the now Portugal boss. Iftikhar produced a dossier on how to beat Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, which ultimately impressed Martinez and led to him working as a voluntary opposition scout at Latics for two seasons.

Iftikhar followed the Spaniard to Everton before he fulfilled his managerial ambitions overseas with Mongolian side Bayangol FC and Samoan outfit Kiwi FC. The UEFA A licensed coach later made a huge commitment to manage in senior Scottish football, taking charge of Fort William.

The Lancashire native then linked up once again with his mentor Martinez, becoming part of his scouting staff for Belgium, and working alongside Latics boss Maloney.

Iftikhar has worked tirelessly as part of Maloney's backroom staff since pre-season, having been instrumental to Latics' solid start to the 2024/25 campaign.

Congratulations on your award, Shadab!

Shadab Iftikhar wins the Professional Coach Award at the Asian Football Awards!