While Orlando Pirates are sweating over the fitness of Monnapule Saleng ahead of the MTN8 final, Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien says he is ready to face whoever the Buccaneers throw onto the field in Durban.
Saleng was absent in Pirates’ previous match in the league against Richards Bay after picking up a knock against Polokwane City. Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi revealed on Thursday that Saleng and Nigeria defender Olisa Ndah have not trained with the team this week ahead of the final and a call on their availability will be made this before the match.
Pirates, however, do have more than enough cover to deal with Saleng’s possible absence, with Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa in red-hot form since the start of the campaign.
But left-back Basadien has also been one of the best players in the country this season and will certainly not back down from the challenged posed on Saturday in the MTN 8 showpiece match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
MTN 8 Cup Final preview on the IOL Sport Podcast
Whether Saleng plays or not, Basadien says he will be ready for anything that the dangerous Pirates attack throw at them.
“I know Saleng and he knows me, we both have our strengths and weaknesses but the main thing on the day is going to be our mentality as individuals and as a team. It is about putting in a good shift for the team and as long as I do my job, the team will get the results,” Basadien said this week.
“I am not too worried about the opposition, I am focusing on my own game and hopefully we can win the final. Pirates are a good team with good individuals, they are an all-round attacking team.
“The front four is dangerous with lots of combinations and link-up play. They understand each other a lot and from our side we just have to defend well, get them on the transition and also enjoy the ball too.”
Ironically, Basadien, is the current MTN8 top goal-scorer with two strikes and is also an attacking threat going forward. He has scored four goals in all competitions so far this season, and has provided two assists.
One of those goals include a 65-metre effort against Cape Town City FC at Athlone Stadium, which could be a serious contender for goal of the season.
"I did mean it," Basadien joked when quizzed about the goal.
"In that moment, I was looking to find Devin Titus, but once I saw the foul on Titus, I knew I didn't have options in front of me.
"I just looked up, and I saw [goalkeeper Darren] Keet was struggling a bit to get back, and I just hit it. As soon as I hit it, I could feel that I got it well enough."
@JohnGoliath82