Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent acquisition of Fawaaz Basadien has sparked comparisons to their previous signing of Terrence Mashego a transfer that, so far, hasn’t yielded the expected impact. The situations might appear similar on paper, but the outcomes could differ significantly if Basadien shows the mental fortitude and drive to fight for his place.
A Familiar Strategy
When Sundowns snapped up Mashego from Cape Town City in 2022, then-head coach Rulani Mokwena was upfront about the reasoning. He explained that when top-tier local talent is available, it’s better to sign them than allow rivals to benefit.
It’s a logic that seems to underpin Basadien’s arrival too. Despite already having a wealth of options at left-back including Aubrey Modiba, Mashego, Divine Lunga, and Sifiso Ngobeni Sundowns still opted to bring in the Stellenbosch FC standout.
Basadien isn’t just another body on the bench. He’s been one of the Western Cape club’s most consistent performers, lauded for his defensive reliability, smart positioning, and set-piece prowess. His thunderous goal in the iKapa derby is still fresh in fans’ memories, but beyond the flashy moments, he thrives in build-up play a trait highly valued in Sundowns’ ball-dominant system.
This makes him an ideal fit for the club’s renowned “shoeshine and piano” style, where full-backs are expected to contribute as much going forward as they do in defense.
The Left-Back Logjam
Still, Basadien’s arrival adds to an already congested department. Aubrey Modiba has held the starting role for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, and he brings a similar skill set to Basadien’s. That could be a tactical conundrum for new coach Miguel Cardoso two high-performing left-backs, but only one starting spot.
It’s a problem that extends beyond the club. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has repeatedly expressed concern over Sundowns’ tendency to hoard talent. The national team relies heavily on players with continental experience, but if Modiba or Basadien spend more time on the bench than on the pitch, Broos could face a selection dilemma ahead of key tournaments like the 2025 AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers.
Terrence Mashego’s journey at Sundowns serves as both a cautionary tale and a motivation for Basadien. Despite his potential, Mashego has struggled to break into the starting XI and is reportedly on his way out. Basadien, on the other hand, appears mentally prepared to tackle the challenge.
His familiarity with the Gauteng football environment having previously played for Moroka Swallows may also ease his transition. Moreover, his reunion with former Stellenbosch teammates Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams, as well as other Bafana internationals, may create a supportive environment.
Mental Strength Will Be Key
At a club like Sundowns, talent alone isn’t enough. Players must possess the psychological resilience to compete daily against some of the country’s best. If Basadien can maintain focus, stay consistent, and seize his opportunities, he may well carve out a meaningful role one that eluded his predecessor.
While history suggests that competition at Sundowns can make or break players, Fawaaz Basadien has the tools and temperament to thrive. The outcome of this move will depend not just on tactics and talent, but on the mental strength he brings into the pressure-cooker environment at Chloorkop.
If he embraces the fight and avoids the pitfalls that caught others before him, Basadien might not just succeed at Sundowns he could become a cornerstone for both club and country.
Related article: Stellenbosch’s Basadien Closing In on Mamelodi Sundowns Move for 2025/26 Season
