Minutes at Mamelodi Sundowns have been hard to come by for Fawaaz Basadien this season.
The former Milano United and Stellenbosch FC defender has said frustration is not part of his mindset.
With Aubrey Modiba owning the left-back role at Chloorkop, Basadien has chosen patience, perspective and hard work.
EARLY CHALLENGES AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Basadien has featured just seven times for Kabo Yellow across all competitions so far, starting only three matches.
The Bafana Bafana star, Aubrey Modiba, and Zimbabwe’s Devine Lunga are firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.
Speaking to the club’s official magazine, the former Moroka Swallows admitted that breaking into the Sundowns team is no small task, but one he fully respects.
EMBRACING THE NEW REALITY
Rather than seeing limited game time as a setback, Basadien views it as part of the Sundowns culture. He says wearing the yellow shirt comes with responsibility, regardless of how many minutes you play.
Despite his reduced role so far, confidence has not left him. The defender believes his experience, consistency and energy can still play an important role as the season progresses, especially as Sundowns continue to fight on multiple fronts.
“Adapting to a new setup and earning your place in a team of such quality takes time,” Basadien told Sundonws’ media. “We have exceptional defenders here, and that pushes me to work harder every single day.”
“I feel confident that my skills and experience can add value to what the team wants to achieve,” he said. “Whenever I get the opportunity, I want to help maintain the high standards expected at this club,” the Sundowns defender added.
Meanwhile, Kabo Yellow are linked with Basadien’s former Stellenbosch teammate. Reports say the champions have contacted Austrian side SV Ried for the services of the speedy 23-year-old Antonio Van Wyk.