Basadien answers Mamelodi Sundowns exit speculation with strong start

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has praised Fawaaz Basadien after the left-back responded to last season’s uncertainty by becoming a regular starter at the beginning of the new campaign.

Basadien joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch last season but found opportunities difficult to secure as he adjusted to life at his new club. The 28-year-old made 11 appearances in all competitions, with only five of those outings coming as starts.

His restricted involvement reportedly prompted speculation that Sundowns could allow him to leave on loan during the mid-season transfer window. Despite those suggestions, Basadien stayed with the club and has now made a strong impression at the start of the new season.

He has started all five matches in which he has featured, establishing himself as an important option at left-back and responding positively to the competition for places within the squad.

Cardoso said Basadien deserved credit for the way he had approached the challenge, highlighting his desire to improve and outperform his rivals while maintaining positive relationships with his team-mates.

“You saw Fawaaz playing today, the level that he showed but last year he almost didn’t play,” said Cardoso.

“Maybe even he was with a step out of the club. I’m saying maybe, not that it was correct, maybe people thought that he would go away.

“But how he showed commitment to start the season and excel himself and try to be better than the others and at the same time being friends is amazing.

“I love to see, for example, Brayan [Leon] and Iqraam [Rayners] and Lebo [Mothiba] fighting together because they support each other as much as they are competitors.”

Cardoso’s comments underline the change in Basadien’s standing since his first season at Mamelodi Sundowns. After being used only five times from the start in all competitions last season, he has begun the current campaign as the coach’s preferred choice in each of his five appearances.

The manager also pointed to the wider attitude within the squad, where players are competing directly for positions but continuing to encourage one another. In doing so, he cited Brayan Leon, Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba as examples of players who combine competition with support.

Basadien’s progress represents a significant shift from the uncertainty that surrounded his future during the previous campaign. Rather than moving away from Sundowns on loan, he remained in the squad and has taken advantage of his opportunity to establish himself.

Cardoso’s praise comes as the defender seeks to maintain his place ahead of the competition at left-back and build on his impressive opening to the season.