Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to finally complete the signing of Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch has created a situation in need of solutions at the club.
Basadien moves to Sundowns just months before he turns 29.
READ | Fresh start for Lepasa in crossroads situation
This means he will be keen for regular game time just like he has done in the three years he has spent excelling at Stellies.
So, with his arrival who does he face for competition and what decision should Miguel Cardoso take?
Divine Lunga was impressive at the FIFA Club World Cup, putting in full shifts in all three matches and was named in the Team of the Week for the first round of group matches.
Last season he was largely tasked with assignments in the CAF Champions League playing in 10 out of the club’s 14 games in the competition.
The 30-year-old is in the last year of his contract and will be pushing for an extension.
He provides a further option at left central defence and can also play further up the left flank having played there in his teenage years.
Being a Zimbabwe international, he will need minutes ahead of the AFCON finals at the end of the year with the Warriors in the same group as Bafana Bafana, Egypt and Angola.
Aubrey Modiba is into his sixth season at Sundowns and will do so having also turned 30 just like Lunga.
‘The Postman’ had the majority of his appearances at left-back last season but can put in a shift further up the pitch in midfield areas.
He was prominent last season with 35 appearances across all competitions, and his name is of international interest considering his Bafana footprint.
With all the signings at left-back, it could propel him to establish himself in midfield.
Asekho Tiwani was signed at the beginning of last season from Sekhukhune United and got minutes in 15 matches.
Unfortunate for him was that he then suffered injury at the Under-20 AFCON finals where he was captain.
Still only 19, it means he is a future prospect.
Terrence Mashego has only played 45 games in three years at Sundowns and is aware of how far further down the pecking order he is.
At 29, he is no kid and so game time will be important for him.
Should there be sacrifices made, it appears his name will come for consideration.
Sundowns also still have Siyanda Msani in their books who will turn 24 in August still waiting for his chance in the first team.
Msani can play left-back and in midfield.
READ | Counterfeit underworld takes a bite off Chiefs’ new jersey
He has found himself having to move away to University of Pretoria, Richards Bay, and Cape Town Spurs to get minutes.
The Brazilians also have Thato Sibiya knocking on the first team door.
Sibiya is a natural left footer who has been capped at junior international level.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
