Basadien’s Sundowns revival driven by belief and resilience

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien says consistency, belief and a positive mindset have powered his impressive revival after a difficult first season at Chloorkop.

The 29-year-old left-back joined Masandawana from Stellenbosch FC in July 2025 with high expectations, but his debut campaign proved frustrating as he struggled to secure regular playing time.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso regularly preferred Bafana Bafana international Aubrey Modiba in the left-back position, leaving Basadien caught in a fiercely competitive pecking order.

The lack of opportunities had wider consequences for the defender. After spending an extended period on the sidelines, Basadien was dropped from Hugo Broos’ national-team plans and missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This season, however, has brought a marked change in fortunes.

Basadien has played in six matches across all competitions since the campaign began and has emerged as one of Sundowns’ most impressive performers at Chloorkop. His form has offered a strong response to the disappointment of his first year with the club.

Speaking to Sundowns’ media team, Basadien said maintaining his confidence during a difficult period had been central to his progress.

“I think it’s just a matter of consistency as well as the belief I showed throughout my time since I arrived here,” Basadien said.

He acknowledged that his introduction to life at Sundowns had not gone as he had hoped, but explained that his attitude helped him remain prepared for an opportunity.

“It hasn’t been the start I wanted to have, but with my belief, my positive mindset, and positive attitude, that’s what kept me going. Eventually, when given a chance, I had to step up and take it, and I think I did that.

“It is a matter of just consistent performances now to maintain that level and even increase that level,” he added.

Basadien’s improved performances have also been recognised by Sundowns’ technical team. Cardoso has publicly backed the left-back and praised what he described as his magnificent start to the new campaign.

The defender’s resurgence comes as Sundowns continue to rely on competition for places within their squad, with Basadien now making a stronger claim for regular involvement after initially finding it difficult to displace Modiba.

Despite his encouraging form at club level, Basadien was not selected by Pitso Mosimane for the preliminary squad for the latest international round.

The omission means he will have to continue producing consistently for Sundowns if he is to force his way back into the Bafana Bafana setup. Nevertheless, his performances have placed him firmly in contention, and the left-back will undoubtedly be monitoring the national-team situation closely as he seeks a recall.