Fawaaz Basadien enjoying revival ahead of Sundowns’ CAF Super Cup final

Fawaaz Basadien has transformed a difficult first season at Mamelodi Sundowns into a campaign of regular football and an international recall.

The defender joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC before the start of last season, but struggled to secure playing time and subsequently lost his place in the national team. This season, however, he has already made 12 appearances in all competitions – one more than the 11 he managed throughout the whole of the previous campaign.

Basadien has also returned to the Bafana Bafana squad under head coach Pitso Mosimane, completing a significant turnaround in his fortunes.

Speaking to the media at Chloorkop before Sunday’s CAF Super Cup final against USM Alger, the reigning Confederation Cup champions from Algeria, Basadien said his family had played a central role in helping him through the most challenging period of his career.

“I am in a good space. Feeling good, I have been playing regularly, so I am in a good family,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

The 12 appearances he has made this season have followed a deliberate effort to address the areas in which he felt he needed to improve.

“So, it was a bit difficult for me to get started regarding regular game time,” Basadien said. “From last season until now, I committed myself to improve in those things I was lacking in last season and to improve, remain 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.”

Sundowns missed out on a place in the Champions League group stages but now have the chance to add another trophy to their collection when they face USM Alger at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.

A victory would carry added significance for Basadien if he features. He made only one appearance during Sundowns’ title-winning Champions League campaign last season.

“We are well prepared and we did all our homework regarding the opponents. We are focused on what we want to achieve. Preparations have been going well,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the game, but our main focus is to implement what we want on the day.”

After the CAF Super Cup, Basadien will join Bafana Bafana for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Kenya.