Confédération Africaine de Football President Dr Patrice Motsepe has expressed sadness over the death of South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
In a condolence message, Motsepe described the 25-year-old as a player who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns side that won the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in Rabat.
On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Motsepe extended his condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), its president Dr Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and Adams’ family.
“On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr Motsepe conveys his heartfelt condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), and its President, Dr Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and to the Family of Jayden Adams,” the Saturday statement said.
Before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Adams played for Stellenbosch FC and had recently become a regular member of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
Motsepe concluded the tribute with a prayer for the late midfielder.
“May Jayden Adam’s Soul Rest in Peace.”
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PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that Adams died just weeks after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches as the team reached the knockout stage for the first time before being eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
Adams, who made his senior international debut in 2022, also helped South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
He began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won the South African Premiership title and the 2026 CAF Champions League.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced Adams’ death on Saturday in a statement, describing it as a huge loss to the country’s football community.
The statement read, “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of his death, with South African police saying an investigation is underway.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
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Source: The Punch
