Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams led heartfelt tributes to Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Jayden Adams during an emotional memorial service held at Stellenbosch Town Hall on Thursday.
Family, friends, teammates and coaches gathered to celebrate the life of the 25-year-old midfielder, who was found dead at a residence in Schotschekloof, Cape Town, on Saturday, just days after returning from the FIFA Club World Cup.
Addressing mourners, Williams remembered Adams not only as a gifted footballer but as a loyal friend and teammate.
“Jayden, for your contribution to South African football, we thank you. We will miss your quality, your passes, your vision and your brotherhood,” he said.
Former coaches Steve Barker and Steve Komphela also paid tribute, describing Adams as one of the finest players they had coached and praising his humility, work ethic and passion for football.
The memorial service was marked by emotional scenes as tribute videos chronicling Adams’ life and career were played, with mourners reflecting on the impact he made both on and off the field.
Adams’ funeral is scheduled to take place on 25 July.