In an attempt to temporarily deflect growing interest from Gauteng's biggest clubs, Stellenbosch FC have exercised the option on the contract of one of their prized possessions.
Steve Barker has been adamant on holding onto his best players, particularly now that the club has managed to bag their first piece of silverware, the Carling Knockout.
But it seems that the impressive performances put in by the players has garnered interest from Gauteng. As reported by this publication last year, both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns expressed an interest in the services of left back Fawaaz Basadien, who has been a revelation since making the switch to the Cape Winelands.
However, word from Siya sources is that Stellies want to hold onto the former Steenberg and Milano United man, and as a result, have exercised the one-year option on his deal, momentarily deflecting Amakhosi and Downs' interest in the defender.
Basadien penned a three-year contract with the side in 2022, which was initially set to expire in June 2025. However, with the club acting swiftly, it will now run until June 2026. Should either of the two big outfits make a formal approach to Stellenbosch for his services, they would have to negotiate a transfer fee with the club, who have shown that they will only part ways with their star players at the right price as seen with Sibongiseni Mthethwa (±R10 million) and Junior Mendieta (±R12 million).
