Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is mourning following the passing away of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Jayden Adams.
The 25-year-old Adams, who joined Sindowns from Cape Winelands side Stellenbosch FC in January 2025, was confirmed to have passed away on Saturday.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie said in a statement.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters, who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
McKenzie added: “Jayden’s football journey began at Stellenbosch FC, where he came through the club’s academy to become its first graduate to sign a professional contract, in August 2020. He went on to make 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands club, helping them lift the 2023 Carling Knockout, before completing his move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. In Pretoria he continued to flourish, adding a Betway Premiership title and a CAF Champions League crown to his honours.”
Adams was in the Bafana Bafana squad, which returned home with a bronze nedal after taking part in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.
And he featured in Bafana’s three matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup currently underway in the United States of America (USA).
“I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta. I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted – it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had passed away only hours before kick-off,” McKenzie further said.
“When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me. 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.”
Meanwhile, McKenzie has appealed to football lovers and the public to stop speculating about the cause of Adams’ death.
“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time. Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course,” McKenzie remarked.
He concluded: “On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, the South African Football Association and the entire football fraternity.”
