Fawaaz Basadien credits Benni McCarthy & Morris for Bafana dream
- Martin T
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Stellenbosch FC's standout defender, Fawaaz Basadien, has revealed that former Bafana Bafana stars Benni McCarthy and Nasief Morris have been his lifelong sources of inspiration.
The 28-year-old left-back enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign with Stellies, featuring in 46 games across all competitions, netting seven goals and providing eight assists.
His exceptional form and experience led to him being named Bafana Bafana captain for the international friendly against Tanzania today, June 6, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Basadien's stellar season also saw Stellenbosch FC reach the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals and secure a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership, qualifying them for the 2025/26 Confederation Cup.
The talented left-back said Bafana Bafana legends McCarthy and Morris fuelled his journey to the national team.
"Growing up watching the national team, I mainly watched guys like Benni McCarthy and Nasief Morris," Basadien stated. "I also played with Nasief Morris. I think those guys are big legends. For me, I was always learning from them and trying to see what they did."
He added that playing alongside Morris at Milano United offered invaluable lessons: "I also got to learn a lot from him.
"His good qualities and leadership skills were some of the things I have learned from him, and I told myself that if one day I become the captain of the national team, I can implement what I have learned from him and help those who are coming through."
