As Kaizer Chiefs gear up for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign, the transfer market remains a massive priority for the Naturena hierarchy. While Bradley Cross flashed plenty of promise last season, a glaring lack of proven depth at left-back continues to plague Amakhosi.
Long-term injuries to Paseka Mako and Nkanyiso Shinga ruthlessly exposed this weakness. If Kaizer Chiefs want to transition from a rebuilding phase to a genuine title-contending force, they need elite, battle-tested competition on the left flank.
Enter out-of-favor Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien.
The One That Got Away?
Kaizer Chiefs heavily pursued Basadien during his golden spell at Stellenbosch FC, where he racked up over 100 appearances and spearheaded their historic Carling Knockout triumph. Ultimately, Amakhosi failed to meet Stellies’ valuation, allowing Mamelodi Sundowns to swoop in and snap him up during the 2025 winter window.
However, life at Chloorkop hasn’t gone to plan for the 28-year-old:
- The Logjam: Basadien has found game time incredibly hard to come by under Miguel Cardoso, sitting firmly behind Aubrey Modiba and Divine Lunga.
- The Youth Surge: Dynamic youngster Thato Sibiya has also leapfrogged him in the pecking order.
- Bafana Heartbreak: This lack of club minutes has actively cost Basadien his spot in Hugo Broos’ national team setup.
Why Amakhosi Should Reignite Interest
A move to Naturena is undeniably complicated. Basadien is tied down to a long-term contract in Tshwane, meaning Masandawana holds all the leverage. But if a window of opportunity opens, Chiefs should strike.
At 28, Basadien is firmly in his physical prime. He brings a lethal combination of crossing precision, elite defensive awareness, and invaluable Betway Premiership experience.
For a player desperate to reclaim his Bafana Bafana pedigree, playing in front of a packed FNB Stadium might be the perfect catalyst to revive his career—while solving Chiefs’ biggest tactical headache.
