'It doesn’t stop here,' says Stellies’ Basadien after shining at awards

STELLENBOSCH FC may yet lose their second successive Footballer of the Season to perennial Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but right now, Fawaaz Basadien is simply enjoying his crowning moment with the Maroons.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

Basadien was the big winner at the SFC Awards at the Allée Bleue Wine Estate on Tuesday evening.

The skilful fullback was rewarded for his excellent performances throughout the 2024-25 season, where he played a prominent role in Stellies reaching a first-ever CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and MTN8 final, claiming the coveted Players’ Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season prizes.

Basadien could potentially, though, follow in the footsteps of former ace Stellies striker Iqraam Rayners, who won the club’s Footballer of the Season award last season, prior to his lucrative transfer to Sundowns.

The 28-year-old’s impressive form down the flanks and his educated left boot has long caught the attention of Gauteng’s ‘Big Three, namely Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, despite Basadien having penned a long-term contract extension at Stellies in February last year.

It would therefore require Sundowns - or indeed one of the Soweto duo — to lay down a hefty transfer fee to acquire Basadien’s services, especially since he’s also become a Bafana Bafana regular under Belgian coach Hugo Broos this season.

Basadien, though, remains tight-lipped over his future movements, and instead basked in the honour of rising to the top at Stellies, who had taken the risk of signing the then-relatively unknown Grassy Park-born rookie from Moroka Swallows back in 2022.

“It’s a privilege and honour to be recognised as the standout player in our whole team,’ Basadien exclusively told Independent Media on the Indy Sport Show.

“I also want to pay tribute to my teammates. They are the ones who help me on the field and help me stand out. As a footballer, you want to achieve these things.

“For me, I haven't won many individual awards in the past, so it’s an honour and privilege as it’s shown that I’ve been consistent and done well throughout the season”