Basadien Hails Matuludi’s Impressive Sundowns Debut

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien praised new teammate Thabang Matuludi after the right-back made his debut in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on Saturday.

Matuludi impressed on his debut, providing an assist as Sundowns secured a 2-1 victory over Al Ahli at Loftus Versfeld this past weekend.

The 27-year-old joined Sundowns from Polokwane City amid an injury setback for first-choice right-back Khuliso Mudau, giving Matuludi an opportunity to step into the starting lineup.

Basadien believes Matuludi has settled into the team well and says the squad will give him all the support he needs as he adapts to life at the club.

“Honestly, we did not train much,” Basadien said.

“Here at Sundowns, we don’t train much, but I’m glad for Matuludi. He came in for his first game, and you could see that he fitted in well. It shows that the environment he came into was healthy. Fortunately for him, all his teammates helped him.

“You can see the way he is playing; he is enjoying himself and was not out of position.”

Matuludi is one of 13 players, including Basadien, who have been included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the FIFA international break.

South Africa will face Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday before taking on Eritrea four days later in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

They will then face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.

“He was himself, and credit must go to everyone for believing in him and giving him that comfort. We all support him, and whatever he does, he will excel,” Basadien said.