Basadien makes Sundowns breakthrough after fighting for his chance

Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Fawaaz Basadien says consistency and self-belief have driven his return to prominence after he was given increased opportunities this season.

Basadien has played six times for Sundowns in all competitions this campaign, already surpassing half of the 11 appearances he made throughout the whole of last season.

The upturn represents a significant change in fortunes for the player, who joined Sundowns three seasons ago from Stellenbosch after establishing himself as a leader and serving as the club’s captain.

His early period at Sundowns was difficult. Basadien slipped down the pecking order, lost his place in the club team and was also excluded from the Bafana Bafana squad. As a result, he missed out on both the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup finals.

There were reports during that period that Basadien was considering a loan move because he was struggling to displace Aubrey Modiba, who was also the preferred left-back for Bafana Bafana.

Basadien’s recent performances have now earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, along with the international friendly against Egypt during the next FIFA window.

“I think it’s just a matter of consistency,” said Basadien.

“The belief I showed during the time I was waiting didn’t initially yield the start I wanted. But keeping that belief and a positive mindset is what kept me going. When I got the chance, I grabbed it with both hands. Now, it’s about maintaining and raising that level.”

His return has coincided with an unbeaten start to Sundowns’ league campaign. They have won five of their six matches and drawn the other, leaving them top of the table on 16 points.

They are three points clear of Orlando Pirates, although Pirates have played one match fewer.

Sundowns have continued to collect results despite not always appearing fully settled defensively. Their defence has conceded chances and contributed to a number of nervous finishes, but Basadien believes the team’s resilience remains one of its defining qualities.

“One of our main strengths as a team is grinding out results,” Basadien noted. “We keep a positive mindset and never give up, regardless of the scoreline or pressure. We always know we’ll create a chance, and we just have to take it.”

The next test comes quickly, with Sundowns due to face Siwelele at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

Siwelele recently dismissed head coach Lehlohonolo Seema and assistant coach William Jackson after a poor run of results. Godfrey Mosoetsa has been placed in temporary charge.

Basadien does not expect the change in the technical team to make the fixture any easier, with the new coach potentially retaining elements of the system already familiar to the players.

“The incoming coach might keep some of the structure the players are used to,” he said. “What’s most important for us is to focus on ourselves and stick to what we want to achieve.”

For Basadien, the immediate priority is to build on the opportunity that has revived his Sundowns career while helping the league leaders maintain their strong start.