Miguel Cardoso Explains Limited Minutes for Sundowns’ Fawaaz Basadien

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed concerns over the limited playing time of new signing Fawaaz Basadien, citing the club’s packed schedule and strong competition in the squad.

Basadien, who joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC during the current transfer window, has made just four appearances in 11 matches across all competitions. His limited minutes contributed to his exclusion from Bafana Bafana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, raising concerns about his chances for the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.

During the post-match press conference following Sundowns’ 3-1 win over Durban City at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Cardoso explained that Basadien faces stiff competition for the left-back role from players like Divine Lunga, Aubrey Modiba, Thato Sibiya, and Asekho Tiwani. Terrence Mashego was even sent on loan to manage the squad balance.

“Fawaaz has no problem. The problem of Fawaaz are the same problems that has Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba, Thato Sibiya and Asekho Tiwani. Despite believing a lot in Fawaaz, we also believe in Aubrey and Divine and Fawaaz will have his moments,” Cardoso said.

The coach added that Basadien was on the bench over the weekend but did not play due to tactical decisions and the need to plan for upcoming matches. Cardoso emphasized that the congested calendar limits training and match opportunities for all players, but assured that Basadien will get chances to prove himself.

“Today, he was on the bench and he could have played. He just didn’t play because I had to decide which players are the best to take out, but not for this game but to think about the next ones. There will be moments for Fawaaz. We are happy with his work. He is adapting to what we want, but also we don’t train a lot which would give him a lot of opportunities to show himself. The opportunities for the player to show himself are not very big. But there will be a moment when things happen. He will have his opportunity like the other ones,” Cardoso explained.

Sundowns will next face Golden Arrows on Wednesday in their ninth Betway Premiership match of the season, giving Basadien another chance to stake his claim in the squad.