Bafana Bafana full-back Fawaaz Basadien has opened up about how legendary figures like Benni McCarthy and Nasief Morris have played a key role in his career.
Basadien is set to captain Bafana Bafana for the first time when they take on Tanzania in a friendly match in Polokwane on Friday evening and it will be a proud moment for the Stellenbosch FC defender.
The left-back says he is ready to play the role of leader during the key match at Peter Mokaba Stadium because he had been watching what McCarthy and Morris did, having been key inspirations to his own career.
How has Benni shaped Basadien’s career?
“I think growing up watching the national team, I mainly watched guys like Benni McCarthy, and I also played with Nasief Morris,” Basadien said in Polokwane was quoted by iDiski Times.
“So, I think those guys, I’ve been watching in the national team. Obviously Nasief Morris was a big legend and Benni McCarthy as well. So, for me, I think it was always learning from them and trying to see what they do.
“And obviously I got the privilege to play with Nasief so I also learned a lot from him as well and obviously he has good qualities and leadership skills.
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“So, for me I think that was just to learn and take from them that one day if I am a captain of the national team, I’ll just try and implement it and obviously just help those who are coming through.”
Bafana Bafana play Tanzania at 19:30 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium with the match set to test a number of players called to the national team for the first time by coach Hugo Broos who is preparing for the next round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to be played in September.
Basadien is among the few players with experience in the squad even though he made his national team debut in November 2024 and has played just four matches for Bafana Bafana.
