Fawaaz Basadien has revealed his pride after winning Stellenbosch FC’s Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season accolades at the club’s annual awards ceremony.

Basadien emerged as the big winner from Stellenbosch FC’s awards gala on Tuesday evening after taking home the club’s coveted Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards for the 2024-25 season.

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“It’s an awesome feeling to win your club’s top award,” the 28-year-old said on being named Footballer of the Season. “I’m humbled and at the same time honored and privileged because there were many other outstanding individual performers throughout the season.

“What makes this award very pleasing to me is the fact that it bears testimony to the quality and consistency I strive for in every game, which is also thanks to the belief and drive of our coaches that allow us to perform and excel on a daily basis.”

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Basadien’s recognition comes on the back of an impressive season for Stellenbosch in which he has recorded 15 goal contributions across all competitions thus far, including seven goals and eight assists from the left-back position.

“It has, without a doubt, been my best season in the PSL, not only in terms of quality but also statistically. I’m especially proud of my 15 goal and assist contributions for the season, which I believe reflect my all-around contribution towards my team’s attacking philosophy.

“Defensively, we were also very tight at the back, conceding the least number of goals behind Sundowns & Pirates, and I believe our Confederations Cup experience also made me a better player, especially on the mental side.

“This all has allowed me to take my game to the next level and will hopefully stand me in good stead if I get an opportunity to represent Bafana Bafana again.”

The big winners from last night’s Stellenbosch FC awards ceremony 👉

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 21, 2025

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Basadien joins a list of notable players to have previously won the club’s Footballer of the Season, including the likes of Iqraam Rayners, Júnior Mendieta, Zitha Kwinika, and Robyn Johannes.

“It’s a real honour for me to be mentioned amongst the greats of Stellenbosch FC,” he added. “I never envisaged that I would be able to reach those heights. I can only give grace and thanks to the Almighty, my coaches and technical staff, teammates, and supporters of the club.

“Since day one, I have been made to feel part of the Stellies family, and this has motivated me a lot. I must commend the environment at the club that allows us as players to maximise and reach our potential.”

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In addition to winning the Footballer of the Season award, Basadien also claimed the Players’ Player of the Season title, seeing off competition from the likes of Sihle Nduli and Sage Stephens.

“This award gives me great satisfaction, because there is no greater validation than that of your fellow teammate,” he concluded. “These players you work with daily, they see your effort, your hard work, and your sacrifices. It brings happiness to my heart to know that they acknowledge and appreciate my contribution.

“It is an affirmation of trust in the relationship between players, and it is this trust that allowed me to captain the team with confidence and conviction when called upon. Indeed, it made me realise that the goal of the team is more important than the individual role within the team.”