Miguel Cardoso: Competition keeping Fawaaz Basadien on the bench at Mamelodi Sundowns

The 28-year-old left-back was one of the most consistent performers in the Betway Premiership over the past three seasons, playing a crucial role in Stellenbosch's Carling Knockout Cup triumph in 2023 and their impressive run to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals last season.

His displays also earned him recognition at international level, with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos rewarding him with several recent call-ups.

Given his pedigree, Basadien's switch to the reigning champions was widely seen as a step up, but breaking into Sundowns' squad has proven challenging. Since joining ahead of the 2025/26 season, he has featured just four times across all competitions.

Cardoso insists Basadien's lack of game time has nothing to do with ability, but rather the fierce competition for places in a star-studded squad.

"Look, Fawaaz has no problems; his problems are the same ones as Divine Lunga, Aubrey Modiba, Thato Sibiya, and (Asekho Tiwani). That made us send Terrence Mashego on loan; it's the quality we have in that position," the Downs mentor explained.

The Portuguese coach added that Basadien remains firmly in his plans and will be given opportunities.

"We believe a lot in Fawaaz, but we also believe in Aubrey and Lunga. He will have his moment. Today he was on the bench and could have played, but I had to choose the right balance for this game," he added.

"We are happy with his work. He's adapting to what we want, and naturally, his opportunity will come."