STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 13: Fawaaz Basadien of Stellenbosch FC during the Nedbank Cup, Last 16 match between Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City at Danie Craven Stadium on February 13, 2025 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
However, Siya sources close to Naturena have indicated that Chiefs are believed to have reignited their interest in the Bafana Bafana defender and are now willing to meet Stellenbosch's financial demands.
Insiders close to the club added that the technical team has urged management to pursue Basadien for next season.
"The coach has made it clear that the left backs he has at the moment are not natural left backs but rather left wingers and that's why all the parties involved in recruiting and scouting have agreed that they need Basadien from Stellenbosch FC. They know what they are supposed to do to make sure they get him this time around and they are busy behind the scenes working on that. Hopefully this time around things will work for the better as the coach needs him and management agrees with him," the Siya source stated.
A second insider stated that Chiefs are adjusting their budget to ensure they can acquire the players they need.
"You know it's all about money. If you can pay then you can get the players you want and that's why it's believed that the club has increased the budget for next year so that they are sure to get the players they need. Their priority is a striker and now a left back is needed too, and that is Fawaaz Basadien. With a good budget they will get a good striker and a good left back. That's their main aim," the second insider revealed.
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Currently, Chiefs have Bradley Cross as their main left back in the first team, with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe also filling in that role when needed. Ditlhokwe has since been linked with a move to Libyan club Al Ittihad. Bongani Sam and Edmilson Dove, yet to play this season, are other options.
This season, Basadien has featured in most games for Stellies, and he has recently made a successful step up to the national team, Bafana Bafana.
Soccer Laduma reached out to Chiefs for comment, but there was no response at the time of preparing this story.
