New Mamelodi Sundowns signing Fawaaz Basadied has addressed speculation over a purported move to Kaizer Chiefs.
The Brazilians defended off interest from rivals Orlando Pirates and Amakhosi to win the signature of Basadien after a lengthy pursuit.
The move has left some sections of Chiefs supporters with more questions than answers over the Soweto giants' missed target, particularly after club sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr made public Chiefs' interest in Basadien in September last year.
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Speaking on Marawa Sports Worldwide on Thursday, the defender offered some clarity on the purported move.
"I wasn’t really close to be honest [to joining Kaizer Chiefs]," the defender revealed.
"There was obviously a lot of interest, talks and everything, but my main focus, my main decision was to join Sundowns, that was my number one."
The 28-year-old made his debut for Masandawana at the start of the season during a 4-1 win against Richards Bay in the quarter-finals of the MTN8.
"It was a lot in the air, one week it was convincing, the next week it was a bit looking like it’s not going to happen," he added.
"I think in that period it was a bit stressful. I had a lot on my mind, thinking about everything, because my main focus was to join Sundowns.
"So, that basically happened while we were in camp with Stellenbosch.
"Coach Steve [Barker] called me in and told me that Sundowns approached our CEO again and told him that they’re interested, they want me to come and join them.
"But before he told me that, along the lines, he mentioned that they (Sundowns) got in contact again with Rob [Benadie], the CEO, to say that they might not go ahead with the deal.
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"And that’s why my head was a bit up and down, I didn’t know what to expect. But fortunately, it happened, I’m here now."
Basadien was the first signing Sundowns completed in the July window ahead of the new season.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
