Basadien says Sundowns move has strengthened his Bafana Bafana mindset

Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Fawaaz Basadien says competing for his place at the club has changed his mentality and helped him develop both as a footballer and as a person after returning to the South Africa squad.

The 29-year-old was included among the three left-backs selected in Pitso Mosimane’s first two squad call-ups, having earned another opportunity with Bafana Bafana following an improved campaign.

Basadien joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC in July 2025, after establishing himself as one of the leading performers in the Betway Premiership and breaking into the senior national team.

His background as a winger has remained evident since he was converted into a left-back. His performances and leadership qualities also led to him being handed the captain’s armband for a friendly against Tanzania under former national team head coach Hugo Broos.

However, the move to Sundowns initially brought a significant reduction in playing time compared with his period at Stellenbosch FC. That situation changed during the current campaign, allowing Basadien to work his way back into the international set-up.

“I’m grateful, happy and it’s an honour, a privilege to represent the national team and I’m in a good space at the moment, I’m so happy to get that recognition again,” he said.

Basadien featured in Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 friendly victory over Egypt and hopes the experience will help extend his international career. He has won five caps since making his debut in 2024 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda.

The defender believes the demands of playing for Sundowns have added new qualities to his game, particularly after arriving from a club where he had been the established option in his position.

“I think it has brought about better aspects in me, regarding there at Stellenbosch, everyone saw it was basically just me playing in that position but before coming to Mamelodi Sundowns, I knew I was coming into a different space,” Basadien said.

The competition at Sundowns meant he could not expect to be selected automatically, a challenge he accepted before making the move.

“I knew I’d have to adapt and fight for my place, it’s not going to be given to me, I think that has changed my mentality, help me grow as a player and as a person.”