Fawaaz Basadien determined to build on improved run at Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Fawaaz Basadien has credited consistency and strong belief as the fuel behind his resurgence at the club this season.

Basadien has already featured for Sundowns six times across all competitions – more than half of the 11 games he played all of last season – marking a notable change in fortunes.

This rich vein of form is reawakening the talented and hardworking player who was signed three seasons ago from Stellenbosch, where he led from the front as team captain.

Fawaaz Basadien 🙏🏾 https://t.co/mPCoiDKvKB pic.twitter.com/lhTDOSxlyc

— Jesus in the Bando (@DeeRolaz) August 31, 2026

Basadien’s initial struggles at Sundowns had triggered a downward spiral. Stuck down the pecking order, he lost his place in both the club side and the Bafana Bafana national squad, ultimately missing out on the Afcon and World Cup finals.

Amid those struggles, reports suggested Basadien was seeking a loan move as he found it increasingly difficult to displace Aubrey Modiba, who also held down the starting spot for Bafana.

“I think it’s just a matter of consistency,” said Basadien, whose recent form earned him a spot in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the upcoming Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as the international friendly against Egypt in the upcoming Fifa window.

“The belief I showed during the time I was waiting didn’t initially yield the start I wanted. But keeping that belief and a positive mindset is what kept me going. When I got the chance, I grabbed it with both hands. Now, it’s about maintaining and raising that level.”

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— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) September 7, 2026

Basadien has helped guide Sundowns to a strong start, winning five games and drawing one in the league. Consequently, they sit top of the table with 16 points, three ahead of Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand.

While Sundowns have secured results, they haven’t always looked like a well-oiled machine, with a porous defence causing a few nervous finishes.

“One of our main strengths as a team is grinding out results,” Basadien noted. “We keep a positive mindset and never give up, regardless of the scoreline or pressure. We always know we’ll create a chance, and we just have to take it.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝? 😳

Basadien scores from his OWN HALF 🔥@Betway_za

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/MdsDBixXNz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 25, 2024

With fixtures coming thick and fast, Sundowns’ resolve will be tested next against Siwelele at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off). Siwelele recently parted ways with head coach Lehlohonolo Seema and assistant William Jackson following a poor run of results, appointing Godfrey Mosoetsa to take charge temporarily.

Despite the coaching change, Basadien expects a tough test. “The incoming coach might keep some of the structure the players are used to,” he said. “What’s most important for us is to focus on ourselves and stick to what we want to achieve.”