Did Mamelodi Sundowns sign Fawaaz Basadien to sabotage Kaizer Chiefs? Ex-Amakhosi star discusses Miguel Cardoso's left-back depth

Fawaaz Basadien made his debut start for Mamelodi Sundowns during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The left-back was surprisingly thrown into the right-back role as Aubrey Modiba started on the left side of defence. 

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has joined in the discussion on the deployment of Basadien and how he fits in the Masandawana squad.  

"He's [Basadien] competing with Modiba, I saw they put him in midfield to give him game time, because Modiba is a star, I'm talking a national team left wing-back," Khanye said as per Soccer Laduma. 

"There's also [Divine] Lunga, who did well at the Club World Cup. It's going to be difficult. Basadien is a good signing, every time the transfer window opens, they have an eye for talent. 

"They sign players who suit their style of play and compliments to Sundowns. They didn't sign [much] but they look fresh." 

Khanye's remarks might spark debate about whether Basadien's signing was necessary in a Sundowns squad that already has left-backs Lunga, Modiba, Asekho Tiwani and Terrence Mashego who is said to have been transfer-listed.

It could lead to theories that the Brazilians did not critically need the former Moroka Swallows man and might have signed him to deny their rivals an opportunity to get the player.

This might trigger memories about how Masandawana signed George Maluleka from Kaizer Chiefs in 2020 when he was one of Amakhosi's best-performing players in the PSL title run-in against the Tshwane giants.

However, Sundowns might argue that Basadien was needed to add depth to their squad and have enough material to last a taxing season they are facing. 

Should Khuliso Mudau's reported push for a move abroad succeed, it is to be seen if Cardoso will continue using Basadien as a right-back ahead of a player like Thapelo Morena who is much experienced in that role.

The Brazilians will be back in Thswane and face AmaZulu on Tuesday and after the disappointing outing against Chippa, the coach might switch things, including at the back.