Basadien to captain Bafana against Tanzania

Stellenbosch FC left-back, Fawaaz Basadien, will captain Bafana Bafana on Friday in the international friendly against Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Bafana will also play Mozambique on Tuesday in Pretoria.

South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, says Orlando Pirates defender, Nkosinathi Sibisi, will lead the side on Tuesday.

Upon the side arriving in Polokwane, Broos had said that Sibisi will captain the team for both matches. However, keeping with his promise to give all players in his team game time, he has backed the revered full-back.

“It’s a question of who will play the first game. So, Sibisi will play the second game,” explained Broos. “He is our captain, but as I said, I want to give play time to everyone. So you have to look a little bit to see who I will put in the team. You can’t put all youngsters in one team.”

Basadien says he was taken aback when he was handed the armband.

“For me, I didn’t expect it to come so soon. But at the same time, it’s an honour and a privilege to be captain of the national team,” he said.

“It’s obviously one of the things you want to dream about growing up as a footballer. But I didn’t expect it to come as soon as it came, but I am ready and prepared to help those who are young in the team. When I first came into the team, there were guys who helped me. So I am willing to do that now with the young players.” Written by Ntsako Mkhari