Cardoso backs Basadien despite limited Sundowns minutes

by Lwandiso Simanga 

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has assured supporters that left-back Fawaaz Basadien will get his chance to feature more regularly despite limited minutes since joining the club.

Basadien, 28, arrived from Stellenbosch during the recent transfer window but has only managed four appearances three of them starts amid fierce competition for places. Sundowns’ left-back department already boasts Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Asekho Tiwani, and Thato Sibiya, with Terrence Mashego sent out on loan to ease the congestion.

Speaking after Sundowns’ clash with Durban City, Cardoso explained that the team’s packed schedule has reduced training opportunities, limiting chances for players like Basadien to showcase themselves outside of match days.

“Fawaaz has no problems. The problems of Fawaaz are the same that Divine Lunga, Aubrey Modiba, Thato Sibiya, and Asekho Tiwani have,” Cardoso said. “As much as we believe a lot in Fawaaz, we also believe in Aubrey, Divine, Fawaaz will also have his moments.”

Cardoso admitted the defender narrowly missed out on game time over the weekend, citing limited substitutions as the reason. “If I had one or two more substitutions, he would have gone in, also Thapelo Maseko,” he explained. “There will be moments for Fawaaz to play we are happy with his work.”

While stressing that Basadien is still adapting to Sundowns’ style, the coach reiterated his confidence in the player’s quality. “We always demand more, and he’s adapting towards what we want. There will be a moment for him to play. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen because someone is injured, but naturally, he will get his opportunity.”

Basadien will now be eager to impress should he be handed minutes when Masandawana face Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday at King Zwelithini Stadium.