Basadien reveals why he chose Sundowns over Kaizer Chiefs

Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Fawaaz Basadien has revealed that he never came close to joining Kaizer Chiefs.

The 28-year-old talented defender was linked to Amakhosi last year but the move failed to materialise. Basadien admitted that there was interest from the Soweto giants but he always wanted to play for rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I wasn’t really close to be honest (to join Kaizer Chiefs),” Basadien told Marawa Sports Worldwide.

“There was obviously a lot of interest, talks and everything, but my main focus, my main decision was to join Sundowns, that was my number one.”

Basadien admits that a move to Downs was not straightforward.

“It was a lot in the air, one week it was convincing, the next week it was a bit looking like it’s not going to happen,” he added.

Basadien chooses Sundowns over Chiefs

“So, for me, I think in that period, it was a bit stressful. I had a lot on my mind, thinking about everything. Because my main focus was to join Sundowns. So, that basically happened while we were in camp with Stellenbosch.

“Coach Steve called me in and told me that Sundowns approached our CEO again and told him that they’re interested, they want me to come and join them.

“But before he told me that, along the lines, he mentioned that they (Sundowns) got in contact again with Rob (Benadie), the CEO, to say that they might not go ahead with the deal.

“And that’s why my head was a bit up and down, I didn’t know what to expect. But fortunately, it happened, I’m here now,” he said.

Basadien is one of the few players who opted to join Sundowns or Orlando Pirates instead of Chiefs. In July, the Buccaneers unveiled Oswin Appollis, who was heavily linked to Amakhosi.