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David GOMBE
Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has passed on at the age of 25 on Saturday according to reports in South Africa.
The midfielder featured for South Africa at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The cause of Adams’ death is yet to be established. His club Mamelodi Sundowns where he has been featuring with Uganda Cranes legend Denis Onyango has contacted regarding the matter.
Brendine Johnson, Adams’ mentor, on behalf of the family and stated,
“At this moment, things are still raw, you know, things are still raw. The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now, they wouldn’t be able to answer anyone. This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then got such news, you know. I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup and go, you know, being a CAF champion, knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared. He doesn’t waste time away, being at home with his family.
“So at this moment, I don’t even have words to say, but we ask that the family’s privacy be respected. Yes, I can tell you that he passed on. Nobody expected this,” Johnsons said.
The tragic news comes two weeks after the death of Adams’ 72-year-old grandmother Marianna Adams.
Adams previously featured for Stellebosch FC before he joined Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team setup.
Adams started Bafana Bafana’s World Cup opening game against Mexico and also featured played in 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta on June 18 but was hauled off at half-time and replaced by Relebohile Mofokeng.
He came off the bench for Mofokeng in South Africa’s 1-0 win over South Korea which confirmed Bafana’s place in the round of 32.
He played 90 minutes in both legs as Sundowns beat AS FAR (Morocco) to lift the 2025/26 CAF Champions League title.
Adams who made his Bafana Bafana debut in 2022, was part of the squad that also clinched bronze at the 2023 AFCON.
