Fawaaz Basadien’s Afcon dreams on hold, but time on his side for Bafana Bafana World Cup squad
Despite captaining Bafana Bafana in a friendly in June, Fawaaz Basadien has not been selected for the national team after struggling for regular minutes at Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Over the past year and a half, Fawaaz Basadien was in a good place. He was seen as one of Stellenbosch FC’s most important players, and he was starting to make a name for himself with the national team.
Just this past June, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos let the country know what he thought of the left back when he handed him the captain’s armband for their friendly against Tanzania.
Things were looking rosy, and he seemed certain to be part of the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations later this year, and the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
But things have taken a bad turn for the 28-year-old who completed a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in the off-season. A lack of game time for his club has seen him lose his spot in the national team.
Basadien cannot be criticised for moving to a club that offers significantly higher pay than Stellenbosch. In the South African context, prioritising financial security to provide for your family is entirely understandable and never a bad decision.
While he still has time on his hands to fight his way back into the Bafana fold for next year’s World Cup, it doesn’t look so good for his Afcon prospects as he’s featured just six times in all competitions this season.
Of course, Basadien also cannot be criticised for wanting to challenge himself at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. Sundowns demand consistent top-level performance, and stepping up to that level is part of testing and advancing his professional game.
He wanted to test himself against South Africa’s best – and some early struggles were inevitable. He could have moved earlier, worked through the struggles, and forced his way into the first team well before the World Cup.
After this season, he could still have a successful path with the Brazilians. His time on the sidelines, however, comes at the worst possible moment. He now risks missing out on two of the biggest competitions in world football.
Basadien’s struggle is a reminder of how delicate a footballer’s career can be at the highest level. Ambition and timing must align perfectly, and even the most talented players can face setbacks when they move to bigger clubs.
For Basadien, the next year will be crucial – how he responds to adversity, fights for his place at Sundowns, and reclaims his spot in Bafana Bafana could define the trajectory of his entire career. One thing is certain: the talent and determination that earned him the captaincy once are still there, and the onus is on him to prove it again.
IOL Sport
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