How Fawaaz Basadien is utilized at Mamelodi Sundowns has opened a debate on whether it was a strategic signing to deny Kaizer Chiefs the same quality.
Sundowns already had a number of left-backs in their books before acquiring Basadien, with Divine Lunga jumping up the pecking order to give Aubrey Modiba a tough competition.
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Masandawana also had Terrence Mashego, who was also reportedly wanted by Chiefs but spent a lot of time on the bench or in the stands after he made a switch to Chloorkop.
Sifiso Ngobeni had also been loaned out for almost all his time in the books of Sundowns since he was signed from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2021.
With Chiefs looking to address left-back challenges, it is understood Basadien was their prime target but the Tshwane giants made the 28-year-old their first signing going into the 2025/26 campaign.
The former Stellenbosch left back being deployed in midfield in his first game in the MTN8 quarter-finals against Richards Bay has raised conspiracy theories that The Brazilians signed him to stifle competition from Amakhosi.
Former Chiefs midfielder, Junior Khanye, however, believes Basadien fits the profile of Sundowns anyway.
"He's (Basadien) competing with Modiba, I saw they put him in midfield to give him game time, because Modiba is a star, I'm talking a national team left wing-back," Khanye said on his YouTube Channel.
"There's also Lunga, who did well at the Club World Cup. It's going to be difficult. Basadien is a good signing, every time the transfer window opens, they have an eye for talent.
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"They sign players who suit their style of play and compliment to Sundowns. They didn't sign (much) but they look fresh," Khanye added.
Basadien could lose his place with Bafana Bafana if he is converted to midfield at Sundowns, as he is unlikely to be a regular, in an experimental position.
