Stellenbosch's head coach has explained the surprise absence of key player Fawaaz Basadien in Stellenbosch's win against Orlando Pirates.
The Winelands-based outfit collected a vital 1-0 victory over The Buccaneers thanks to a Devin Titus strike at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
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While Tits scored the match-winner, the star of the show was Omega Mdaka, who got a rare start and delivered a man-of-the-match performance in the absence of Bafana Bafana left-back and Stellies regular Basadien.
Speaking to media after the match, Barker explained that the 27-year-old had been granted leave with the birth of his child.
"Fawaaz [Basadien] became a father for the first time this [Sunday] morning, so congratulations to him," Barker explained.
"Hence, we gave Omega Mdaka another opportunity to play, and he took the opportunity. Well done to him for doing that.
"His wife was due at any stage during the week. Being a first-time father, he requested to stay home with her in case she had the baby early in the week.
"We granted him that, and we knew that over the weekend, it could probably happen. So we gave him time off to be with his wife."
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Despite seeing a move to Chiefs fall through, Basadien has had a sensational start to the season, contributing five goals and two assists in 17 appearances for Stellies this season.The Western Cape side returns to action on Sunday when they take on RSB Berkane.