Fawaaz Basadien: Bafana Bafana Star Names Toughest Mamelodi Sundowns Star He’s Faced

• Bafana Bafana left-back Fawaaz Basadien has named his toughest opponent he has faced at Mamelodi Sundowns
• The former Stellenbosch FC defender joined the Premier Soccer League giants in the summer, but has struggled to make an impact since his move
• The South African international's revelation sparked different opinions and takes from PSL fans on social media

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien has identified Khuliso Mudau as the most difficult opponent he has encountered, conceding that the Bafana Bafana right-back has since become a valuable source of learning for him.

Basadien completed a move to the Tshwane giants from Stellenbosch FC at the start of the current season but has found opportunities limited, making just seven appearances amid intense competition in Sundowns’ star-laden squad.

The struggle at Mamelodi Sundowns this season cost him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad that represented South Africa at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He was dropped alongside some other top players like Percy Tau, Themba Zwane and Patrick Maswanganyi.

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The former Stellenbosch FC left-back still has a chance to make Hugo Broos' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, if things change at club level and he becomes a regular starter.

Basadien on Mudau being his toughest opponent

Basadien reflected on how Mudau, widely known as “Sailor,” posed significant problems as an opponent and is now someone he studies closely as a teammate.

The 29-year-old explained that Mudau’s speed, tactical awareness and ability to recover defensively made him extremely hard to beat, adding that facing him previously forced him to raise his own level.

The Bafana Bafana star also noted that training alongside the experienced right-back has been a positive development, and said he is eager to absorb those lessons and apply them to his performances on the pitch.

Basadien's comment on Mudau being the toughest defender he's faced sparked different reactions from his fans on social media.

Thamsanqa Potso Zikalala said:

"He has to work hard; this is not Stellenbosch. His arrival has made Modiba improve his performance."

Dee DK Dube shared:

"He made a big mistake on that move; that prison is not for kids."

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Senawana Mokoena wrote:

"Good player, but choose wrong team where he is on the Bench. He should've stayed at Stellenbosch or, better still, move to Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates."

Yours truly ChumaniJ commented:

"The best RB in Africa at the moment. Sailor man 🙌🏾🇿🇦"

Ntuthuko N Mtakajaj reacted:

"When is Mudau's contract ending? We need to do what we do best ✌🏾😎."

Simphiwe Abnogsile added:

"Honestly speaking, the country is being compromised by not having this player in the national team. He is 110% better than Modiba. This is witchcraft."

Mudau shares what Bafana Bafana must fix

Briefly News earlier reported that Mudau shared what Bafana Bafana must fix ahead of their game against Zimbabwe at the ongoing 2025 AFCON.

The Mamelodi Sundowns defender said this after Bafana Bafana were defeated by Egypt in their second group match.

Source: Briefly News