Basadien embracing competition as Sundowns chance leads to Bafana Bafana return

Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Fawaaz Basadien says he knew he would have to fight for opportunities when he joined the club from Stellenbosch at the beginning of last season.

The 29-year-old moved to Chloorkop with the understanding that he was entering a squad containing several high-quality players. As a result, his first campaign brought limited playing time compared with his previous experience at Stellenbosch.

Basadien made 11 appearances and played 430 minutes during the 2025/26 campaign. He has already surpassed those figures this season, featuring in 13 matches with almost twice as much game time.

That increased involvement has been followed by a return to the Bafana Bafana squad for the second camp since Pitso Mosimane took over. He has been selected alongside fellow Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba.

Divine Lunga, another international, also provides competition for the position at Sundowns.

Basadien says he understood that joining the club meant accepting a different environment from the one he had known at Stellenbosch.

“Obviously, like everyone says and like the chairman also told us, you don’t come here for no reason,” he said.

“You come here because you have quality and, for me, it is to believe that I can make a difference and help the team achieve things.

“So, for me, it is to believe that I can help the team in various ways, not only on the field but off the field as well, and add more value to the club.”

The defender said his family played an important role in helping him remain determined during a difficult first season, when opportunities were scarce.

“When I came to the club, I knew that I was coming to a team where it was not always going to be like it was at Stellenbosch, my previous club,” he added.

“I knew that I was going to have to adapt, I was going to have to fight, I was going to have to be resilient because you are not always going to get the privilege you had at your previous club.”

Basadien believes players must earn their opportunities and make the most of them when they arrive.

“So, it is important for you to fight for that privilege and, once you do get the opportunity, it is important for you to take it and show that you can add value,” he said.

He also highlighted the support among Sundowns’ left-backs, saying the competition has not damaged their relationships.

“I have good relationships with the players in my position on and off the field, and it is encouraging to help and learn from each other,” Basadien said.

“They have strengths that I don’t have, so I pick up from them and learn from them. I train with them every day, so we help each other.

“In fighting for positions, if one plays, we back each other. That is the type of team spirit we have here.”