Modise challenges Basadien to make lasting impact at Sundowns

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise says Fawaaz Basadien must deliver consistently if he is to establish himself as a regular starter for the South African champions.

The left-back has started Sundowns’ opening two matches of the 2026/27 campaign, finally being given an extended opportunity after making just 11 appearances in all competitions last season.

Basadien began the MTN8 quarter-final victory over Polokwane City and then retained his place for the club’s opening Betway Premiership win against TS Galaxy.

His run in the side has come while Aubrey Modiba is being eased back into action after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a lingering injury.

Basadien, 29, joined Sundowns after establishing himself as one of the leading performers at Stellenbosch. His displays had also brought him to the attention of former Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who selected him as captain on one occasion.

Despite that reputation, several football legends had previously suggested that Basadien might benefit from a loan move after struggling to secure regular football at Sundowns.

The former Moroka Swallows wing-back now has an opportunity to change that perception, although Modise believes he must improve the defensive side of his game if he is to maintain his place ahead of Modiba and Divine Lunga.

Under Sundowns’ new-look system, Basadien has frequently moved inside from the left-back position to contribute in midfield. Modise praised his ability in possession but said that good moments on the ball could not be enough.

“We have players who are capable of taking the initiative on the pitch and to see that freedom to play proper football, of course it looks good when you get inside the box as a left-back and you miss an opportunity but we always have to criticize you when you have to defend,” Modise said on The Pitchside Podcast.

The former South Africa international added that Basadien must use the current campaign to create genuine competition within the squad.

“I just want to see him grow man, he needs to play better, I mean he has been at Sundowns for over a season now and it is his chance, he has to create some sort of competition between him, Lunga and Modiba.

“He’s so comfortable on the ball. It can’t just be glimpses. I know him, I know he is just capable, he just needs to be consistent. Being at Sundowns you know how limited it is for you to mess up, because somebody is gonna come in and play better, so we want to see more of those, also he is good at set-pieces, he’s got a good left foot,” Modise added.

Basadien’s early involvement gives him a chance to compete directly with Modiba and Lunga for the left-back role, but Modise’s message is that his performances must become more reliable if he is to make the position his own at Sundowns.