Fawaaz Basadien opens up on Sundowns revival after tough start

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien has opened up about his revival at Chloorkop after finding it hard to command a regular place in the starting XI in his debut campaign at the club.

The 29-year-old left-back signed for the Brazilians in July 2025 from fellow Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC, putting pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Tshwane giants.

However, he was limited to 425 minutes in 11 appearances across all competitions last season, with head coach Miguel Cardoso, more often than not, preferring Aubrey Modiba and Divine Lunga ahead of him.

In contrast, Basadien has already featured in six matches in the current season, getting the nod to start at left-back in all the games he played, and the Bafana international has credited his rejuvenation to consistency.

“I think this is a matter of consistency as well as the belief I showed throughout my time [since] arriving here. It hasn't been the start I wanted to have, but my belief and my positive mindset and the positive attitude I had kept me going,” said the Downs full-back.

"And 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 just consistent performances now to maintain that level and even increase the level.

With a clash against Siwelele FC, who recently parted ways with head coach Lehlohonolo Seema after a string of poor results looming, the former Stellies stalwart is not expecting the Bloemfontein outfit to make a wholesale of changes.

“To be honest, maybe the coach that's going to take over will implement some of the things that the players are used to from the previous coach,” added Basadien.

"But I think it's important for us to stick to what we want to do and focus on what we want to do to achieve the victory. So, I think it's important for us to just focus on what we want to achieve and improve all the things we want to improve as a team.

Basadien will be looking to add to his appearance tally when Siwelele FC visit the African champions in a Betway Premiership clash under the lights at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday (19h30).

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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