Basadien revives Sundowns and Bafana Bafana career after tough first season

Fawaaz Basadien has transformed his fortunes at Mamelodi Sundowns, returning to the Bafana Bafana squad after struggling for regular football during his first season at the club.

The left-back joined the Brazilians from Stellenbosch FC before last campaign, but his move to Chloorkop initially failed to bring the opportunities he had hoped for. Limited appearances prevented him from establishing himself in the team and also saw him drop out of the national-team picture.

His situation has changed under head coach Miguel Cardoso. Basadien has become a more regular part of the Sundowns side and has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, already exceeding the 11 outings he managed during the whole of the previous campaign.

His improved form at club level has also earned him a recall to the Bafana Bafana squad.

The 29-year-old was speaking to the media at Chloorkop ahead of Sunday’s CAF Super Cup final against USM Alger. The Algerian club are the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions.

Basadien said the support of his family, along with his faith, had helped him deal with a difficult period and regain his confidence.

“I am in a good space. Feeling good, I’ve been playing regularly, so I am in a good family. I think credit to my family and credit to the man above for giving me the strength and courage to overcome the situations I had last season and to be able to perform at a consistent level and to be in a better space this season,” he told the media.

“Credit to my family for getting me through those times, especially my wife and my son. If I come home to them, I always get some inspiration to do more.”

Rather than allow his lack of playing time to affect his progress, Basadien used the experience as a reason to work on the areas of his game he felt needed improvement.

“So, it was a bit difficult for me to get started regarding regular game time. From last season until now, I committed myself to improve in those things I was lacking in last season and to improve, be humble and believe I can achieve things.

“It was important for me to have a strong mindset and keep believing that eventually my chance will come.”

With regular minutes at Mamelodi Sundowns and his international place restored, Basadien will look to continue his progress when the club face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup final on Sunday.