Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has shared the reason behind Bafana Bafana defender Fawaaz Basadien’s absence during their stunning 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates on Sunday. The win handed Pirates their first defeat of the PSL season, which saw them drop to second place in the league standings.
Barker explained that Basadien was unavailable for the match as he had become a father for the first time earlier that morning. In light of this special occasion, Basadien was granted time away from the match to celebrate the birth of his child. Barker extended his congratulations to the defender, acknowledging the personal milestone that kept Basadien away from the squad. “Fawaaz Basadien became a father for the first time in the morning, so congratulations to him,” Barker said in his post-match comments.
With Basadien absent, coach Barker gave Omega Ngubane the chance to step into the starting lineup. Ngubane took full advantage of the opportunity, delivering a solid performance and contributing to Stellenbosch’s defensive efforts in securing the victory. Barker expressed satisfaction with Ngubane’s contribution, which played a key role in nullifying Pirates’ attacking threats.
The win was a significant achievement for Stellenbosch, who managed to disrupt Orlando Pirates’ impressive run in the league. Pirates, who had been unbeaten up until that point, were left reeling after their first loss of the season. The defeat saw the Buccaneers slip to second place, with Stellenbosch gaining crucial points in their pursuit of a higher league position.
This victory also highlighted the depth and resilience of the Stellenbosch squad, with players like Ngubane stepping up when called upon. While the absence of Basadien was a blow to the team, the result showed the strength of the squad and their ability to rise to the occasion in challenging situations. The team’s win over Pirates will be remembered as one of the standout moments of their season, as they continue to push for a strong finish in the PSL.
