Bafana Bafana defender Fawaaz Basadien says he has always drawn inspiration from the likes of Benni McCarthy and Nasief Morris as far as the national team is concerned.
The Stellenbosch FC left-back was named as one of the Bafana captains for the international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique in Polokwane.
The 28-year-old will lead the team out against the East African side on Friday evening while Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the armband on Tuesday against the Mambas in the absence of regular skipper Ronwen Williams.
Basadien admitted that he didn’t expect to captain his country so soon after recently making his debut in 2024 and spoke about how the two legends inspired him.
“I think growing up watching the national team, I mainly watched guys like Benni McCarthy, and I also played with Nasief Morris,” Basadien told the media in Polokwane on Thursday.
“So, I think those guys, I’ve been watching in the national team. Obviously Nasief Morris was a big legend and Benni McCarthy as well. So, for me, I think it was always learning from them and trying to see what they do.
“And obviously I got the privilege to play with Nasief so I also learned a lot from him as well and obviously he has good qualities and leadership skills.
“So, for me I think that was just to learn and take from them that when one day if I am a captain of the national team I’ll just try and implement it and obviously just help those who’re coming through.”
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