Tributes pour in after death of Bafana star Jayden Adams

Tributes have poured in from across the football world following the death of South African midfielder Jayden Adams. Adams, who represented South Africa at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, died on Saturday at the age of 25, according to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie. The midfielder featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches as South Africa reached the Round of 32 for the first time.

He did not play in the last-16 defeat to Canada. His death comes less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, who died on the eve of South Africa’s Group A match against Czechia in Atlanta. 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗶 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.The Chairman…pic.twitter.com/fVwo92RDCA “It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams,” the club said.

The club added that chairman Patrice Motsepe and the Motsepe family, the board of directors, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters and the entire “Yellow Nation” extended their deepest condolences to Adams’ family and friends. “We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him.” Sundowns also appealed for the family’s privacy to be respected as they grieve. The South African national team also paid tribute, saying: “Today, South African football mourns the loss of a talented player whose passion, dedication, and love for the beautiful game inspired many.”