Basadien Ready For Ding-Dong Battle With Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien has emphasized the importance of consistency as the club’s ding-dong battle continues with Orlando Pirates for this year’s title. 

Basadien, who has found game time limited this season, played the full 90 minutes as Sundowns secured a crucial victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.

The win saw Sundowns climb to the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 50 points from 21 matches, opening a two-point lead over Pirates, who slipped to second place.

Basadien stressed how crucial it is for the team to remain consistent, adding that they are taking it one game at a time.

“I think the main thing is consistency,” said Basadien.

“If we can keep consistent performance week in and week out, we’ll definitely go all the way. So I think that is the main focus, to be consistent and take each game at a time.”

The former Stellenbosch defender highlighted the importance of the win and credited his teammate Teboho Mokoena for his impact, scoring twice after coming on as a substitute.

“I think it was important,” said Basadien.

“As I said, with how tight the league is, we knew that we wanted to get maximum points and jump the Pirates and put a gap between them and us.

“Credit to the substitutes that came on as well, I think they impacted the game very well. Credit to Teboho Mokoena as well for getting those goals.

“I think that once he got the second goal, it took some pressure off us, and you could see guys were enjoying themselves after that.”

Sundowns will now shift focus to continental action as they travel to Mali for the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final against Stade Malien.

Holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg, the Brazilians will be confident of booking their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.