Mamelodi Sundowns are believed to have rekindled their interest in Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana left-back Fawaaz Basadien, following their unsuccessful attempt to sign him in the previous transfer window.
Insiders close to the club have indicated that the reigning league champions should be keen on strengthening their left-back position.
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The sources added that Terrence Mashego's contract negotiations may be tied to what will eventually happen with the pursuit of Basadien.
"They are working on the squad to beef it up as they prepare for both the CAF Champions League and the Club World Cup and that's why they have reignited their interest in Fawaaz (Basadien). It's not like they gave up but after signing young Asani Tiwani from Sekhukhune United, they relaxed a bit," said the Siya source.
"They feel Basadien is that kind of left back they need as he can defend just as well as he can attack. That's why they are working hard behind closed doors to bring him to Chloorkop and they know Kaizer Chiefs were also interested in him and that he won't come cheap at all. But they are ready for that," the source added.
Additionally, a second insider stated that while other teams had considered signing Basadien as a free agent, Stellenbosch FC exercised their one-year option, extending his contract until June 2026. That will make it difficult for certain clubs, such as Chiefs to afford Basadien, when Amakhosi may need to use a significant part of their budget on a striker and winger.
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"With the one-year option exercised by Stellenbosch FC, that gives them the chance to have a better asking price than if he had only six months left. So now that Sundowns have brought him back on their radar they will be prepared to meet the demands from Stellenbosch FC, and knowing Sundowns, they will do all they can to get him if need be," the second source stated.
The 27-year-old Bafana Bafana defender has already played a signifiant amount of PSL games this season, picking up from where he left off in the last campaign.
Efforts to reach his agent, Basia Michaels, Stellenbosch FC and Sundowns for comment were unsuccessful at the time of preparing this story.
With the Brazilians' sight set on Basadien, the club aims to bolster their squad depth ahead of the lucrative upcoming competitions, particularly the Caf Champions League, the African Football League and the FIFA Club World Cup. As negotiations progress, securing Basadien could play a vital role in their strategic preparation for both the domestic and international challenges.
