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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has moved to allay fears over defender Fawaaz Basadien’s lack of game time.
The versatile left-back, signed from Stellenbosch FC as Sundowns’ first addition of the current transfer window, has so far spent much of his spell in Tshwane either coming off the bench or watching from it.
Basadien was again an unused substitute in Saturday night’s 3-1 Betway Premiership win over Durban City, and after the match, Cardoso addressed the situation, explaining the reasons behind the player’s limited minutes.
"Fawaaz is encountering the same problem as Divine Lunga, Aubrey Modiba,Thato Sibiya, and Tiwani. We have a lot of quality in that position.
"Fawaaz will have his moments, and he didn't play today because I had to think about our upcoming matches."
The coach added that the congested fixture schedule meant the technical team had not had enough time to work with Basadien.
Meanwhile, Sundowns will have several players jet off to Chile for the U20 FIFA World Cup – among them Kutlwano Lethlaku, Siyabonga Mabena, and Asekho Tiwani.
Cardoso made it clear Downs were never going to block the call-ups.
On getting maximum points against a stubborn Durban City, coached by four-time league-winning coach Gavin Hunt, the Sundowns mentor explained his approach.
"We can play against any team and counteract any style, but my preference is to face teams that like to play short and build the game, but it is not like that in South African football, which is very similar to the French league."
