Focus on Transfers in PSL: Sundowns
Latest News: Fawaaz Basadien Joins Mamelodi Sundowns
Fawaaz Basadien, a versatile defender known for his offensive prowess, has officially joined Mamelodi Sundowns after a successful stint at Stellenbosch FC. Over three seasons with Stellenbosch, Basadien made 111 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 18 assists – a remarkable offensive contribution for a defender.
During his time at Stellenbosch, Basadien's tactical profile was marked by a focus on progressing the ball from deep areas, making him a key player in the team's possession-based style. His active contribution to the attacking phase, particularly in transitions and wide overloads, was a significant factor in Stellenbosch's success.
Basadien played a crucial role in Stellenbosch's third-place finish in the league and their 2023 Carling Knockout title victory. His impressive performances earned him the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards in the 2024-25 campaign.
Basadien's playing style aligns well with Sundowns' possession-based structure, offering ball progression, attacking support, tactical flexibility, and set-piece threat. His passing patterns include cross-field and diagonal entries toward central and right-side areas, with a majority of his passes being progressive and repeated, showing a vertical orientation in his play.
The 28-year-old left-back's arrival at Sundowns signifies the acquisition of a modern ball-playing defender with vision, consistency, and attacking output. He will face competition from players like Aubrey Modiba and Asekho Tiwani, but is expected to play a key role in Sundowns' pursuit of CAF Champions League glory.
Basadien's defensive skills are not to be underestimated. He played in 25 out of 30 league matches for Stellenbosch last season, accumulating 2,202 minutes on the pitch. His ability to operate effectively in various defensive formations, such as a back four, back three, or as a left-sided center-back or wing-back, adds to his versatility.
In addition to his defensive capabilities, Basadien's offensive contributions are noteworthy. He made 295 entries into the final third, an average of 11.8 per game, and had 29 touches in the opposition box during the season.
Basadien's arrival at Sundowns marks a significant boost to the team's defensive line, bringing in a player who can provide both solidity and attacking threat from the left flank. His signing is a testament to Sundowns' ongoing commitment to acquiring top talent to bolster their squad.
[1] Soccer Laduma, "Basadien named Stellenbosch FC Player of the Season", 15 May 2025, https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/local/categories/psl/basadien-named-stellenbosch-fc-player-of-the-season/709004
[2] KickOff, "Basadien scoops Players' Player of the Season award", 15 May 2025, https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/local-news/categories/psl/basadien-scoops-players-player-of-the-season-award/709004
[3] IOL Sport, "Stellenbosch FC win 2023 Carling Knockout", 25 August 2023, https://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/stellenbosch-fc-win-2023-carling-knockout-1.26732867
Fawaaz Basadien's impressive offensive contributions during his tenure at Stellenbosch FC, such as his goal-scoring and assist-providing ability, have positioned him as a talented soccer player. With his skillset likely to complement Mamelodi Sundowns' possession-based style, Basadien may be instrumental in their pursuit of success in sports like football and soccer.
