Stellenbosch FC's official farewell to their player Fawaaz Basadien | OneFootball

Stellenbosch FC's official farewell to their player Fawaaz Basadien

The Cape Winelands outfit have officially announced the departure of their defensive stalwart Fawaaz Basadien, who has completed a switch to league champions Mamelodi Sundowns. This move brings closure to prolonged transfer speculation surrounding the Bafana Bafana regular, whose consistent displays for Stellies had made him one of South Africa's most coveted defenders.

Basadien's rise to prominence at Stellenbosch saw him earn plaudits from national team coach Hugo Broos, with his dynamic performances from left-back establishing him as a crucial component of the team's recent successes. The 27-year-old arrived from the dissolved Moroka Swallows ahead of the 2022/23 term and rapidly became indispensable at Danie Craven Stadium.

"Stellenbosch FC can confirm that Fawaaz Basadien has completed a permanent transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns," read the club's official communique. "Basadien joined Stellenbosch FC ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and went on to make 111 appearances across all competitions during his three seasons in the Cape Winelands."

During this productive period, the marauding fullback registered eight strikes and created eighteen more - remarkable numbers for a defender. His contributions proved instrumental in the club's Carling Knockout triumph, consecutive top-three league finishes, and their memorable continental journey to the CAF Confederation Cup's final four.

The 2024/25 season proved particularly rewarding for Basadien, who swept both the Players' Player and Club Player of the Season honors while earning nomination for the Premiership's Goal of the Season award. His club form translated to international recognition, collecting five national team caps and participating in Bafana's successful AFCON qualification campaign.

"Everyone at the club extends their sincere gratitude to Fawaaz for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment during his time in the Maroon jersey," the statement continued. "He departs with our appreciation and best wishes as he embarks on the next chapter of his career."

This high-profile transfer sees Sundowns bolster their defensive options with one of the league's most consistent performers, while Stellenbosch lose a player who embodied their remarkable rise in South African football. The move represents another significant step in Basadien's burgeoning career as he joins the country's dominant force.