Miguel Cardoso Sheds Light on Fawaaz Basadien’s Lack of Playing Time at Mamelodi Sundowns

Miguel Cardoso Sheds Light on Fawaaz Basadien’s Lack of Playing Time at Mamelodi Sundowns

  • Miguel Cardoso has commented on the situation surrounding Fawaaz Basadien, as the summer signing has struggled to get enough game time since joining Mamelodi Sundowns
  • The Bafana Bafana defender joined the Pretoria giants from Stellenbosch FC, but he has had limited playing time, and it recently cost him his place in the South African national team
  • Masadawana are equipped enough in the left-back position, with Aubrey Modiba still being the preferred first choice by Cardoso

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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why Fawaaz Basadien is not getting enough playing time since he joined the Brazilians from Stellenbosch FC this summer.

Miguel Cardoso, Fawaaz Basadien, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Miguel Cardoso provides updates on Fawaaz Basadien after failing to break into Mamelodi Sundowns' starting line-up since joining the club. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images

The South African international had an amazing season with Stellenbosch last campaign and was named the club's Player of the Season due to his performance.

Basadien played a pivotal role at Stellenbosch, helping the club lift their first-ever top-flight trophy by winning the Carling Knockout Cup in 2023 and guiding them to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals the following season.

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The former Stellenbosch FC star was relegated to the bench at Sundowns, which cost him his place in the Bafana Bafana squad that faced Lesotho and Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers during the last international break.

If there are no changes, he could miss out on making the team that represents South Africa at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations later this year.

Cardoso speaks on Basadien's absence

Cardoso explained that Fawaaz Basadien’s situation is not unique, as he faces the same competition as players like Divine Lunga, Aubrey Modiba, Thato Sibiya, and Asekho Tiwani. The depth in that position even led to Terrence Mashego being sent out on loan.

He stressed that the technical team has full confidence in Basadien but also trusts the other players fighting for that role.

According to Cardoso, Basadien was on the bench against Durban City and could have featured, but the coach opted for players who suited the specific demands of the game. With more substitutions available, he said, Basadien and others like Thapelo Maseko would also have been used.

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Fawaaz Basadien, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Fawaaz Basadien is struggling with game time at Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Fawaaz Basadien
Source: Instagram

Cardoso added that Basadien is working hard and adapting to Sundowns’ style, though the congested fixture schedule leaves little time for training and showcasing ability. He assured that the defender’s opportunity will arrive naturally, emphasising the club’s faith in him while hoping it won’t take an injury to open the door.

Basadien started Sundowns’ clash against Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership, but his performance in the game was not good enough, and he had to be subbed off for Modiba in the second half.

The former Cape Town City defender will hope to feature in Mamelodi Sundowns' next match in the Betway Premiership against Lamontville Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Cardoso named Sundowns star who's underrated

Briefly News earlier reported that Cardoso named the Mamelodi Sundowns star who's seriously underrated in the Betway Premiership.

The Portuguese tactician believes the Pretoria giants player deserves more accolades than he's getting presently.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.