Fawaaz Basadien: I am surrounded by world class players at Mamelodi Sundowns who are always pushing themselves and this is rubbing off onto me as well

You would think Fawaaz Basadien is watching the Africa Cup of Nations with a certain level of disappointment.

You would think he is kicking his feet at the fact that he should be in Morocco with Bafana Bafana facing Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe.

You would expect Basadien to also rue his move from Stellenbosch FC to Mamelodi Sundowns in the off season.

While at Stellies, Basadien was a regular for the national side but since he moved to Chloorkop, he lost his place as he is not a preferred left-back under Miguel Cardoso.

But, instead, the former Moroka Swallows defender is as positive and looking at former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration.

“Watching him taught me the importance of professionalism, discipline and always striving to improve, lessons I carry into my own game every day,” he told the Sundowns magazine.

“At Sundowns, I am fortunate to train alongside world-class teammates whose dedication, intelligence and teamwork push me to raise my standards both on and off the pitch.”