Bafana Bafana defender Fawaaz Basadien says he is only focused on performing for South Africa’s national team, as transfer speculation over his future continues to build.

The highly-rated defender has enjoyed a superb couple of seasons with Stellenbosch FC, and further evidence of his progress was provided on Friday evening when he captained Bafana Bafana for the first time, helping the team keep a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw with Tanzania in a friendly played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to one of the ‘Big Three’ of South Africa club football (Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs), but he is putting such conjecture out of his mind while he does duty for the senior national team.

“Like I said before, it’s just focusing on what I can control,” said the Stellenbosch left-back. “Obviously, all the rumours and all of those things, it’s nice to have that as a player but my main focus is just to… whatever opportunity I get to play, it’s just to do well and keep doing what I’m doing.”

Basadien added, “Keep improving each day, that’s my main focus, whatever happens in the background, it’s just part of the rumours that are being created.

“In football, in your career, there comes a time where you want to achieve greater things and maybe play for the so-called big clubs or make big moves.

“It’s just about the time for when it’s right for you. For me, my main focus is not on wanting to move now. Obviously, I would like it but my main thing is just to keep on playing and improving each day.”

On wearing the Bafana captain’s armband for the first time, Basadien noted: “I didn’t expect it to come so soon, but at the same, it’s an honour and a privilege to be captain of the national team.

“I mean it’s one of the things you dream about growing up as a footballer, but like I said, I didn’t expect it to come as soon as it came but I’m ready and I’m prepared to help those who are young in the team.”

Basadien will look to help Bafana Bafana record a win when they face Mozambique in another friendly in Polokwane, set for the evening of Tuesday, June 10.