Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has spoken about Mamelodi Sundowns’ Fawaaz Basadien with a mix of pride and heartache.
Barker has built a reputation for producing players who jump to bigger stages and make real names for themselves, from Bongani Khumalo to Andile Jali and Bongani Zungu, filling him with joy.
STEVE BARKER ON FAWAAZ BASADIEN AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
After three months in Tshwane, the Grassy Park-born Basadien has only made six appearances from the 16 games Kabo Yellow have played this season, mainly as a substitute.
His former coach, Barker, was keen on his move to Sundowns, but he also knows what regular football means for a player’s confidence, progression and national team ambitions.
“But when players move and then don’t play or don’t break through, that’s where a tinge of disappointment comes in,” Barker told Soccer Laduma. “You feel that maybe if he had stayed, he probably would have been playing more and increased his chances of playing for the national team.”
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Despite that honesty, Barker made it clear that the bigger picture remains positive. Producing talent who earn big opportunities is still one of the greatest joys of his coaching journey.
“So largely, it’s great satisfaction,” Barker added. “Sometimes when it doesn’t work out for players, there’s a tinge of disappointment, not only for them, but you just feel maybe we could have achieved more together.”