Barker explains Basadien and Adams substitutions in Chiefs defeat
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has explained the decision to substitute two of his key players, Fawaaz Basadien and Jayden Adams, in the defeat against Kaizer Chiefs.
The Cape Winelands-based team surrendered their initial advantage to ultimately succumb to a 2-1 defeat on Wednesday night at the iconic FNB Stadium in a Betway Premiership clash, providing a timely victory for Amakhosi as the Soweto giants were celebrating their 55th anniversary the previous day.
Basadien and Adams, who are Bafana Bafana players, have been regulars in the Stellies team, displaying consistent performances each time they are given an opportunity to play. In addition, the two players have been linked with moves away from the club in recent times.
In the current season, Basadien has made 22 appearances in all competitions. The talented 28-year-old has found the back of the net five times and provided four assists. As for Adams, the 23-year-old has scored two goals and grabbed an assist in 21 matches across all competitions.
BARKER SAYS HE TOOK OFF BASADIEN AND ADAMS BECAUSE THEY WERE STRUGGLING TO PERFORM
“Fawaaz [Basadien] didn’t play this weekend [against Lunda Sul in the CAF Confederation Cup] because he had flu, said Barker. “So, at half-time, he indicated that he was struggling a bit. I said to him, ‘Try and play another 10 to 15 minutes, so that was going to happen’.
“Jayden [Adams] got a dead leg in the first half and was struggling. He went out and became cold, struggling to move, so we had to make the two subs.
“But we do have a big game on Sunday [against Stade Malien], so them coming off for those reasons it’s not the worst for us, that’s why they were substituted.”
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