News reaching Soccer Laduma suggests Orlando Pirates are developing a strategy to acquire Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana left-back Fawaaz Basadien, while also managing their current squad effectively.
Insiders close to Pirates have indicated that the team is considering offloading at least one player, which might be their captain Innocent Maela or Paseka Mako to free up space for Basadien, with plans to retain Deon Hotto as a backup option in the left-back position.
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Though, the sources stated that it remains uncertain whether Pirates will pursue a direct exchange involving money and players with Stellenbosch FC or handle the transactions separately to secure Basadien.
"With Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns having so far failed to sign Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana left back Fawaaz Basadien, Orlando Pirates have a plan and they have joined the scene with the aim of signing him. They could offload captain Innocent Maela together with Paseka Mako to get Basadien. They have come up with that strategy as they want to strengthen their left back position in the quest to conquer both locally and in Africa and that is why they want to move in for Basadien. So, that's what is believed to be their plan for now to attract Basadien to Pirates," the Siya source stated, indicating that Bucs could even let both players leave in exchange for Basadien.
A second insider pointed out how Bucs might offer one or both of those players, along with money to Stellenbosch FC, in exchange for Basadien.
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"What they are looking at is to give Stellies one of the players, that they would choose or like, or even both the left backs in exchange for Basadien which will also include money. They would want to have Basadien and Deon Hotto as their main competitors in that left back position. It's a plan from Pirates as they are building a team that will sustain their success for a long time and they apparently feel Basadien fits in that plan," the second insider informed the Siya crew.
Basadien joined Stellenbosch FC from then-Swallows FC in 2022 and has become a regular for the Cape Winelands side, earning him a call-up to Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana team where he has also impressed. This season, the 28-year-old has played most games in domestic competitions and he has also contributed with goals.
It has been speculated in the media that Basadien could have renewed his stay at Stellenbosch FC, with the club exercising their one-year option on his contract until June 2026. If so, that would increase his value when negotiating any deal.
As Pirates are believed to be pushing forward with a plan to acquire Basadien, the club's strategic move reflects a focused approach to strengthening their defence. Securing Basadien's talents would bolster Pirates' line-up and support their ambitions on both the domestic and African fronts.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but received no response by the time this report was published.
