(Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images)
It was with great shock that Team Siya learned of the passing of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25.
The midfielder recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his talents on football’s biggest stage.
Details of Adams’ passing remain sketchy at this time. The Siya team spoke with the player’s representatives and his guardian, who confirmed the tragic news.
Mamelodi Sundowns were also contacted on the matter but did not confirm or deny the news, instead requesting that the family be respected during this difficult time.
Brandin Johnson, Adams’ mentor, spoke to the Siya team on behalf of the family, making an emotional statement that reflected the deep grief felt by those closest to the young midfielder.
“At the 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 death has torn everyone apart, they’ve just come back from the World Cup and then got news like this, you know. I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really confident about going back and being able to come back after the World Cup and go, you know, being a CAF champion, knowing what lay ahead, he was ready. He was ready. ready. Doesn’t waste time being at home with his family.
“So at this moment I don’t even have words to say, but we ask that you respect the family’s privacy. Yes, I can tell you that he passed away. Nobody expected this,” Johnsons said.
Adams established himself as a promising talent in South African football with Stellebosh and later earned a place in both Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team. His performances at the recent World Cup underlined his growing influence at the highest level of the game.
Soccer Laduma expresses its sincere condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African Senior Men’s National Team and the football community as a whole.
More information will be provided as it becomes available, respecting the privacy of the family at this sad time.