Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Rodney Ramagalela has shared his thoughts on the acquisition of Bafana Bafana international Fawaaz Basadien by Masandawana for the new season.
This follows the experienced left-back joining the Betway Premiership titleholders, Masandawana, from Stellenbosch FC on a permanent deal.
Sundowns officially announced the signing of Basadien on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from Stellenbosch FC. The Brazilians secured the highly sought-after player, fending off competition from Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs for his signature.
The 28-year-old was a pivotal figure for Stellenbosch FC last season, helping the Cape Winelands-based side secure a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership with 48 points from 28 matches.
This strong league performance earned Steve Barker’s team a spot in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup. Basadien’s contributions were also key in their impressive run to the semi-finals of the same continental tournament last season.
WHAT RODNEY RAMAGALELA SAID ABOUT FAWAAZ BASADIEN’S ACQUISITION
Ex-Sundowns striker Ramagalela believes the acquisition of Basadien is exactly what the Brazilians need for the upcoming season.
Ramagalela, who previously played for the Chloorkop-based club, highlighted Basadien’s potential to significantly bolster Sundowns’ left-back position. He stressed that Basadien will provide crucial depth and quality, supporting established players like Divine Lunga, Aubrey Modiba, and Terrence Mashego as the team navigates multiple competitions.
“Well, as you have seen in the last few games of the previous campaign, I think they really need Basadien. He will be able to help the likes of Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba, because the team play in so many tournaments in one season,” Ramagalela told FARPost.
“We have seen Terrence Mashego struggling for game time. I believe they really need someone of Basadien’s calibre to come and assist.
“We all know that Basadien is a Bafana Bafana international. So, with his experience of playing in the CAF Confederation Cup, I think he is someone who can help Mamelodi Sundowns moving forward.”
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