The name of the Egyptian club that was interested in new Mamelodi Sundowns signing Fawaaz Basadien has been revealed, as the Tshwane giants won the race to secure the Bafana Bafana international.
Sundowns announced the signing of Basadien from Stellenbosch, flexing their financial muscle to secure one of the most sought after players in local football.
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Basadien had attracted interest from Egyptian club Al Masry, as confirmed by agent Basia Michaels, while Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are believed to have also expressed a desire to sign him.
Sundowns, though, won the race and the player will be hoping to make his debut when the Tshwane giants start their campaign with an MTN8 clash against Richards Bay this Sunday.
"He wanted to go to Sundowns. This is not me saying he did not want to go to any other club that made an offer for him. I am just saying that he was ready to make a move, and he had made it clear that he was ready to make a move, so he's really happy with the fact that Stellenbosch finally agreed. I do think the plan, based on conversations we've had in the past and previous deals not working out, was that they were not going to stop him in this current window because it allowed them to plan better and get replacements. From a Stellenbosch point of view, it was more of a timing thing, more so to ensure that they can get the necessary replacements, which we've seen Stellenbosch sign. They had enough time to plan for his departure and here we are," his agent Basia Michaels of QT Sports told the Siya crew.
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"The strongest bid in North Africa came from Al Masry, which was a club Fawaaz was keen to join. I think he himself had done his research and he was excited to join them. But at the end of the day, we go where we put pen to paper and where the price is paid," added Michaels.
Basadien's arrival makes things interesting at left back for Sundowns, especially after Divine Lunga shined in that position during the FIFA Club World Cup. There's Aubrey Modiba to compete with as well, while Terrence Mashego could leave before the close of the transfer window. Young Asekho Tiwani is also an option at left back.
