Hugo Broos warns Fawaaz Basadien and Jayden Adams that if they don't get more playing time for Mamelodi Sundowns then 'no AFCON'

Fawaaz Basadien was impressing at Stellenbosch and widely considered the best left back in the PSL, which earned him a regular starting berth at international level, but he has now lost his national team spot.

His Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Jayden Adams is also now being overlooked by South Africa coach Hugo Broos who took him to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Interestingly, both players broke through into the Bafana setup when they were at Stellenbosch, but after joining Masandawana, international opportunities have diminished. 

Broos has questioned their decision to join Sundowns, suggesting they were miscalculated moves which might cost them 2025 AFCON tickets. 

"It’s the same problem, huh? Players are choosing money and not career," Broos told the media.

"And you see he wanted to go to Sundowns, but he doesn’t play. He should’ve stayed in Stellenbosch or chose another option if he had another option.  

"For players, it's important that you play, and not directly where you play. But you have to play, and this is not the case with Jayden now.  

"There is a reason for it. Why is he not playing? Maybe they are not happy with him, otherwise he should play. I mean, Teboho is always playing because he plays well, added the former Cameroon coach.

"Look what is happening with Fawaaz. So, again, players to be more... I don't want to say smart, but they have to look at their career, and maybe now Fawaaz has lost his place at Bafana Bafana, he will not play AFCON in December if the situation stays like that.

"If it stays like that and don’t play, no AFCON."

Adams joined Sundowns in January 2025 while Basadien followed him to Chloorkop six months later and the former has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, mostly as cameo roles, while the latter has played five games.

It was always going to be a tall order for Basadien to enjoy regular football at Masandawana given the competition he has at left-back, where there is Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga and Amajita captain Asekho Tiwani.

Coach Miguel Cardoso even tried using him as a right-back in a Premier Soccer League match against Chippa United in August and he dismally performed in that unusual position for him.

The signing of Portuguese midfielders Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho could also limit Adams playing time.

There are two months left before the AFCON tournament takes place in Morocco.

Between now and probably early December when Broos finalises his AFCON squad, that is all the time Basadien and Adams have to convince the Bafana coach that they deserve to return to the national team.

Firstly though, they will have to convince club coach Miguel Cardoso that they are worthy of a starting berth in one of Africa's strongest club sides.