Adams’ teammates, coaches and loved ones pay tribute at emotional memorial

July 16, 2026 20

Teammates, coaches, friends and loved ones of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams, delivered moving tributes during a memorial service for the late midfield maestro on Thursday.

Adams was found dead at a residence in Cape Town, on Saturday, just days after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Sundowns players and coaching staff joined Adams’ family at the Stellenbosch Town Hall to celebrate the life of the 25 year old.

Among those who paid tribute at the memorial was Adams’ former coach, Steve Barker, who described the midfielder as one of the best players he had ever worked with.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana teammate, Ronwen Williams, also honoured his teammate and friend.

“Jayden, for your contribution to South African football, we thank you. We will miss your quality, your passes, your vision and your brotherhood.”

SAFA vice-president, Linda Zwane, praised Adams’ dedication, discipline and achievements, saying the midfielder had inspired many youth in the sport.

“A dark silent shadow fell on South African football. He was a beacon of hope, a gentle soul, and a young man whose brightest chapter was actively being written before our eyes.”

Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, as Bafana Bafana reached the Round of 32 for the first time, although he did not play in the knockout defeat to Canada.

He was also a member of the South African squad that finished third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙆 𝙔𝙊𝙐, 𝙅𝘼𝙔𝘿𝙀𝙉 𝘼𝘿𝘼𝙈𝙎 💛
You will forever remain in our hearts.#Sundowns #RIPJayden pic.twitter.com/nr9JDh4Ant

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 16, 2026