Basadien earns Mamelodi Sundowns chance through belief and consistency

Fawaaz Basadien says maintaining a positive mindset helped him force his way into the Mamelodi Sundowns starting line-up after a difficult start to the season.

The former Stellenbosch FC left back has made six appearances in all competitions for Sundowns this campaign and is only five matches short of matching the number of games he played for the Tshwane club throughout the whole of last season.

Basadien could feature again when Sundowns face Siwelele FC at Loftus Stadium, with the defender reflecting on how patience and determination eventually gave him an opportunity at Chloorkop.

“I think it’s a matter of consistency as well as just the belief that I showed throughout my time here. It hasn’t been the start I wanted to have, but with my belief and positive mindset, that’s what kept me going. Eventually when given a chance, I had to step up and take the chance and I think I did that. It’s a matter of consistent performances now to maintain that level and even increase that level,” Basadien told the Sundowns media department.

The 28-year-old’s progress has come during a period in which Sundowns have continued to compete at the top of the standings. His increased involvement means he is now well placed to be considered for another appearance against Siwelele.

Sundowns’ late resilience

Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows at the weekend after midfielder Teboho Mokoena scored late in the match.

Basadien believes the ability to keep pushing until the final whistle is one of the team’s defining qualities. That resilience could prove important as the season develops and the title race becomes more intense.

“That is one of the strengths we have as a team, to always grind out results. You know that positive mindset and attitude that we have to never give up. We play until the last minute no matter what the scoreline is. That was key for us and we knew that we are eventually to create a chance and it was important to take that chance. That’s one of the key aspects we have as a team, to keep going until the last minute.”

The result kept Sundowns in control at the top of the table. Victory against Siwelele would move them six points clear, although second-placed Orlando Pirates would have two games in hand after the match at Loftus Stadium.

Concentration on their own task

Siwelele’s technical team has changed, with caretaker coach Godfrey Mosoetsa in charge for the fixture.

However, Basadien says Sundowns must remain focused on their own approach instead of becoming distracted by the changes within their opponents’ set-up.

“To be honest, the coach that is going to take over. It’s important to stick to what we want to do to achieve the victory. It’s important to improve on the things we want to improve on as a team.”

For Basadien, the immediate priority is to build on his recent run in the side. After having to wait for his opportunity, the defender is now aiming to maintain his level of performance and establish greater consistency in the Sundowns team.