Stellenbosch FC's plans to avenge last month's Premiership defeat at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs have gone awry with the suspension of their talisman Fawaaz Basadien.
Basadien's name appeared on the list of the latest suspensions as circularised by the PSL on Thursday evening. His absence will be a hammer blow for Stellenbosch who have banked on his skills on defence and attack this season. Moreover, Basadien has been on Chiefs’ radar as a transfer subject for some time.
His absence will be welcome news for the vulnerable Chiefs, who are battling to find their feet under coach Nasreddine Nabi. Basadien would have been a key player in Stellenbosch's defence when Chiefs wage aerial onslaughts. Despite his lack of height, Basadien holds his own when opponents threaten at set-piece time.
Stellenbosch have been vulnerable at set-piece time but coach Steve Barker would have worked on this weakness.
Chiefs' form on the road has not been great this season, and the youthful Stellenbosch side will take the fight to them from the opening whistle. Stellenbosch has never been a team to sit back, and they will not allow Chiefs' newcomers Tashreeq Morris, the DRC-born Glody Lilepo and Thabo Cele to settle down.
Chiefs will welcome back defensive midfielder Njabulo Blom from his one-match suspension. Blom missed Chiefs’ 2-2 draw against AmaZulu after receiving his fourth yellow card in the 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby last weekend.
Alongside Blom, is Inacio Miguel, the Angola international who is under pressure to stop the rate at which AmaKhosi have conceded goals. Chiefs have one of the poorest defence records in the Premiership.
Chiefs' highly-rated central defender, the Cape Town-born Rushwin Dortley, has not been exuding confidence of late but playing in front of family and friends should see him bolster his selection claims for Bafana Bafana who will be returning for international duty in March. National team coach Hugo Broos will be keeping an eye on him.
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) said in a statement a moment of silence will be observed at all Betway Premiership, Motsepe Foundation Championship, and DStv Diski Challenge fixtures this weekend.
This gesture will be a mark of respect following the passing of South African philanthropist Douw Steyn and former Mamelodi Sundowns Co-owner Solly Krok. Both individuals made significant contributions to South African football.