Zaahier Adams
Stellenbosch FC are well aware that they have a target on their backs ahead of the new season, but will stay focused on the job at hand, according to wing-back Fawaaz Basadien.
Stellies enjoyed a dream 2023/24 season, only being edged out of second place on goal difference by Orlando Pirates in the Premiership, and winning the Carling Cup – the club’s first major silverware in the top flight.
Clive Barker’s side also reached the semi-finals of both the MTN8 Cup, losing on the away goals rule to Kaizer Chiefs, and Nedbank Cup.
They will kick off their 2024/25 campaign with a MTN8 home quarter-final against TS Galaxy at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday before switching focus to their maiden participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“We’re not looking back at what we achieved last season. We will stay focused on what we do and our preparations,” said Basadien.
“Yes, the challenge is to improve on last season, but we’ll stick to what we do well.
“The MTN8 Cup is a trophy we would really like to win. We were in the semi-finals last season and it’s a good early-season test for ourselves to see where we are at. As a team we will continue to push ourselves.”
Stellies have been very active in the transfer market during the off-season with the arrival of centre-back Omega Mdaka, striker Lehlohonolo Mojela and right wing Sanela Barns at the Danie Craven Stadium, while Ibraheem Jabaar’s loan at Israeli club Maccabi Petah Tikva FC has also concluded.
Unlike in previous off-seasons, Stellies have also not offloaded any major players as yet, although players such as Basadien, captain Deano van Rooyen, Jayden Adams and Iqraam Rayners remain heavily linked to clubs up north.
For the moment, Basadien, who signed a long-term deal last season to remain with the Winelands club, is focused purely on this weekend’s MTN8 Cup quarter-final and the excitement of playing on the African continent for the first time.
“It’s going to be hugely exciting to play in Africa,” Basadien exclusively told Independent Newspapers.
“It’s a new experience that can only improve you as a footballer. It will be a completely different challenge, visiting different countries and playing against new teams.
“Our goal will be, of course, to get to the group stages initially. We are really looking forward to the experience.”