To gain first-team experience, PSV loaned Faber out to NEC in 1990. He made his professional debut on 25 August in a 2–1 away win against MVV. In October, Faber was sent-off during a 7–0 loss to Ajax. NEC's season ended in 18th place and relegation; Faber appeared in 30 league fixtures and three cup games. For the 1991–92 season, Faber was loaned out to Sparta. He played 32 Eredivisie matches. Sparta finished eighth in the league and also reached the semi-finals of the KNVB Cup in which Faber played five games.