Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has paid tribute to Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, describing his death at the age of 25 as a devastating loss for South African football.
In a statement issued on Saturday, McKenzie said the country had lost “one of its brightest young talents” and extended his condolences to Adams’ family, teammates and supporters.
Adams began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC after graduating from the club’s academy and becoming its first academy product to sign a professional contract in 2020. He made 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands side, helping the club win the 2023 Carling Knockout before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. At Sundowns, he added a Betway Premiership title and a CAF Champions League crown to his growing list of honours.
On the international stage, Adams was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he featured in all three group-stage matches as the national team reached the Round of 32 for the first time.
Reflecting on Adams’ character, McKenzie recalled watching South Africa’s World Cup match against Czechia, where the midfielder played despite learning only hours before kick-off that his grandmother, Marianna, had died.
“That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie also appealed to the public and the media not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding Adams’ death.
“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” he said, urging South Africans to allow the player’s family and Mamelodi Sundowns the privacy they need during their time of mourning.
The minister extended condolences to Adams’ family, including his young daughter, as well as his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, Bafana Bafana, the South African Football Association and the wider football fraternity.
“May his soul rest in peace,” McKenzie said.
