Orlando Pirates have reportedly cast their sights on Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien to sort out their problems at left-back.
Pirates have been relying on Deon Hotto, Innocent Maela and Paseko Mako at left-back but coach Jose Riveiro is reportedly looking for a versatile player and Basadien fits the profile of what he is looking for.
The defender was a major target for Kaizer Chiefs in the off-season transfer window but a deal did not materialise and with Amakhosi going for Bradley Cross from Golden Arrows, it looks like Pirates will have less competition.
Pirates feel left-back is an area they need to address quickly now that they are challenging in the PSL and CAF Champions, added to the fact that the options they have in the position are past 30.
Can Pirates lure Basadien from Stellenbosch?
“Pirates want another Stellies player, but the left-back Chiefs also wanted, Basadien. Riveiro believes his versatility will fit in perfectly with his current way of playing. Getting him in January will be hard, but they will try,” a source told The South African.
Hotto has played 18 games at left-back this season, scoring three goals while providing four assists, while Maela and Mako rarely get opportunities, the latter trusted at left-back on Sunday against Magesi FC.
Meanwhile, Basadien has five goals and three assists to his name in 20 matches across all competitions this season for Stellenbosch, playing a critical role in their run to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages as well as their fourth-place in the PSL.
However, after Stellies resisted attempts from Chiefs to lure Basadien to the capital, it is still not clear if they will be willing to sanction a sale in the January transfer window.
