When a player suddenly watches from the sidelines during a key pre-season session, you know something’s brewing.
That’s exactly what happened with Fawaaz Basadien at Stellenbosch FC this morning—and it didn’t go unnoticed.
The 27-year-old Bafana Bafana left-back had been part of pre-season drills just days ago, so his absence raised plenty of eyebrows and whispers across the South African football scene.
Sundowns Close In While Chiefs Exit the Race
Mamelodi Sundowns appear to be in pole position to land Basadien, having tracked him for a while now.
They aren’t the only club who’ve had their eye on him—Kaizer Chiefs were also interested at one point. But that’s no longer the case.
With Chiefs recently signing two other left-backs and reportedly unwilling to meet Stellenbosch’s valuation, they’ve quietly stepped away from the race.
“It’s partly due to Stellenbosch playing hardball,” one insider revealed, hinting that the club’s tough negotiation stance scared off most potential buyers.
Stellenbosch Tried to Keep Him—But Sundowns Have a History
Stellenbosch weren’t ready to give up their star defender without a fight.
They’d reportedly put a long-term extension on the table, hoping to convince Basadien to stay put in the Cape Winelands.
But Sundowns are known for making deals happen, especially when buyout clauses are involved.
And history shows they usually get what they want.
Could This Be Another Big-Name Poach?
Sundowns have made it a habit to swoop in for key Stellenbosch players.
Remember Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams? Both were prized talents that eventually ended up wearing the yellow of Chloorkop.
Each time, Sundowns tabled offers that Stellenbosch simply couldn’t turn down.
Now, with the 2025/26 season and the MTN8 about to kick off, the champions haven’t yet made a statement signing. Wrapping up a deal for Basadien could be their first major move of the window.
Is This Transfer Already a Done Deal?
That training no-show might be the biggest clue yet.
While nothing has been confirmed officially, all signs are pointing toward a deal being close.
Basadien standing on the sidelines instead of training hints that negotiations are at an advanced stage—and the announcement might be just around the corner.
Do Sundowns Really Need Him?
Now here’s the question fans are debating: Do Mamelodi Sundowns even need another left-back like Basadien?
Or is this just another case of the champions flexing their depth and dominance in the market?
