With the pre-season camp in Turkiye resulting in injuries to two key defenders, Bongani Sam and Edmilson Dove, Kaizer Chiefs are set to look at candidates for the position, the Siya crew has been informed.
Siya sources have indicated that Stellenbosch FC's Fawaaz Basadien, along with three other defenders, have once again caught the attention of Chiefs as a potential signing before the season kicks off.
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The urgency stems from the current situation in the squad where Happy Mashiane stands as the sole left back option available.So, an insider close to the technical team shared the following with Soccer Laduma, "They have looked at the injuries to Edmilson Dove and Bongani Sam and they don't want to take a risk going into the new season without an experienced left back as they only have Happy Mashiane at the moment."
"So, they are not only looking at the Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien but also another three that they have been monitoring in Cape Town Spurs' Rushwin Dortley, Tanzanian Mohamed Hussein and Golden Arrows' Bradley Cross. Dortley is a versatile defender who can play at left back, central defence as well as right back and they are looking at such a defender as well.
"The final decision on who they will sign will depend on the talks with the respective teams, because you know, Mamelodi Sundowns are also interested in Basadien. So, they are looking at getting in a left back as soon as they can," the source added.
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A second club insider revealed the alternative plans in case Chiefs fail to secure these primary targets.
"They also have backup ideas of using Reeve Frosler as a left back. They have been advised that he has played in that position before so if the season starts while they can't sign a new left back in time then they will use him as he has played in that position before," said the second Siya source.
"But the main target is to get a left back as soon as they can and those in the recruiting and scouting department are on top of that already," the source added.
Soccer Laduma reached out to Chiefs for comment, but received no response at the time this report was published.
Stellenbosch FC's CEO, Rob Benadie, stated in a recent press meeting that no players from Stellies would be sold this season, despite interest from various clubs. This statement adds another layer of complexity to any Chiefs pursuit of Basadien, highlighting the challenges they face in strengthening their squad for the upcoming season. It could also mean that Amakhosi may only be able to step up their interest in the other three targets.
