The Big Interview: Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch)

Stellenbosch FC’s flying fullback Fawaaz Basadien talks ahead of the MTN8 semifinal first leg tie against Orlando Pirates, which will be played at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday (live on SuperSport)

What is the mood like in the camp after losing your last two league games?

“I think the mood in camp is good despite the past few results. Always positive energy, positive vibes, positive thinking so the mood is good in the camp and we’re looking forward to a very important feature on Sunday where we hopefully can get the win and take it to the second leg.”

You have beaten Pirates in the league already this season but they might be out for revenge. What do you expect from them on Sunday?

“Obviously the league and the cup are two different competitions but Pirates is very good side, with a lot of depth in their squad. I expect them to come at us, to throw everything. Obviously as it’s a cup game they would also want to win, so for us is to just keep being positive, keep doing what we're doing, no matter what they throw at us. We know what we our strengths are so we just try to do what we are good at.”

But how do you improve the mood in your camp after losing to SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs in the last week?

“For me personally, despite the results, we've been playing well, we've been doing what we're doing, and for us it's just keep doing what we're doing despite the results. We've been playing well, creating chances. It's not like we've let teams overplay us or outrun us. It will change in our favour, we have to keep doing what despite the past few results.

Is their added motivation from the fact that the last semifinal that you played in, against Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup, ended in a disappointing penalty shootout loss?

“We don't think about it too much because our goal as a team is to play in a final and hopefully win a cup. It’s always the club's dream, so hopefully we can do that.”

Do your change your approach because you are playing at Athlone Stadium?

“We won’t drastically change our approach. Obviously the Danie Craven is our fortress were we give our all. I’m not saying that we won't give our all at Athlone but teams are scared to playing at Danie Craven. But as long as it's being played in Cape Town, it's still our home game with our friends with our supporters. So we won't really change how our approach to the game.”

What’s your excitement before this semifinal “Yeah, no, definitely. As a player, you always want to want to win trophies. And for me just to bring that positive 100 per cent attitude to the team. Because this is what we as a team have dreamed of and we would really want to achieve something like this. It would be the club's first trophy. So you will do our best to get a trophy.”

Is there a plan to deal with the goalscoring threat of Zakhele Lepasa?

“There’s not really a plan around him versus doing what we in terms of our defence, not letting them click or not letting them get those combinations going. The main thing is for us to defend well as a team and to win the one-on-one battles.”

How much did your two years away from the Cape playing at Swallows help develop your career?

“I think it was more mental for me. It was my first time leaving Cape Town, so the big thing for me was the mental challenges, the things you go through, staying on your own, your family not being with you. It made my mind stronger. That positive mindset, positive thinking, always working hard and not giving up. I think I've been through so much in my career but it only made me stronger. It only helped me keep believing, keep having faith, that one day it will go in my favour no matter what challenges were thrown at me. I always believe a positive mindset will work for me.”