Mamelodi Sundowns had strengthened their defensive options by announcing the signing of Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien last weekend, winning the race for his signature ahead of Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, all three clubs were interested in the Bafana Bafana defender, but Sundowns ultimately secured his services with what sources note as a quality financial package.
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Insiders close to the club with knowledge of the negotiations have indicated that the transfer involves a significantly high fee of over R15 million. The sources also discussed Basadien's contract in what was described as an undisclosed fee to sign the Stellies star.
"It's believed that Sundowns paid over R15 million which was their final bid. Sundowns really needed the player and that's why they went out of their way to land his signature. It's a five-year contract. That's what the involved parties have agreed upon," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a second source also discussed Basadien's drive to experience a new challenge.
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This source close to the club stated that the contract is believed to be a three-year deal with a two-year option to extend, which could effectively make him stay at Sundowns until July 2030.
The source added that Basadien was keen to move to the Brazilians to take his career to the next stage at the right age. Now, 28 years of age, Basadien felt the time was right.
The acquisition of Basadien creates a surplus of left-backs at Chloorkop, with Sundowns now having six players who can operate in that position: Basadien himself, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Terence Mashego, Asekho Tiwani, and DDC youngster Thato Sibiya, who has been training with the first team.
This signing aligns with Sundowns' strategy of strengthening their defensive department before the transfer window closes, while simultaneously creating competition for places across the backline.
Soccer Laduma contacted Mamelodi Sundowns for comment, but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
Image by Mamelodi Sundowns.
