Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are set to lose their top target, Fawaaz Basadien, to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 28-year-old talented left-back was heavily linked to Amakhosi last year, but the Soweto giants fell short of Stellenbosch FC’s asking price. In recent weeks, Basadien has been tipped to join Downs before the start of the season.
On Thursday, SABC Sport‘s Mazole Moloefe announced that the Bafana Bafana defender did not train with Stellies and in fact, watched from the sidelines.
“The public broadcaster has been made aware that the Bafana Bafana international this morning watched the training session from the sidelines, having been part of pre-season under coach Steve Barker in the days prior,” SABC Sport wrote.
Sundowns set to sign Basadien
“Stellies have been reluctant to sell Basadien for some time now and even offered the player a new long-term contract extension – forcing potential suitors to bid heavy figures to get any deal over the line.
“It’s one of the reasons Chiefs could not get their target.
“However, Sundowns, with a reputation of triggering buyout clauses, are believed to have made their intentions clear on Basadien.”
Last year, Sundowns purchased Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams for significant sums, despite Stellies’ firm stance against selling players.
With Basadien not training with the team, it seems likely that his departure is imminent. Both Chiefs and Pirates expressed interest in signing the left-back; however, his price tag of R20 million may have been too high for them.
Will Basadien be a good fit for Masandawana?
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