Fouzia van der Fort and Staff Reporter|Published
The Capetonian football fraternity is in mourning following the tragic and unexpected passing of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
His body was found at a property on Military Road in Schotsche Kloof on Saturday, July 11.
Provincial police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said that an inquest docket has been opened.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” he said.
Adams, a rising star in the national game, was a key figure in the South African squad that recently competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he represented the nation with pride and distinction.
His footballing journey began at the Stellenbosch FC academy, where he eventually broke into the first team before making a high-profile move to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025.
In a statement, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, on behalf of its chairman, the Motsepe family, board of directors, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters, and the entire Yellow Nation, expressed its condolences to his family and friends.
They asked that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve this “profound loss”.
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport head of department, Guy Redman, said: “Jayden was a dedicated young footballer, with a bright future ahead.
“His death is a sad moment for the football fraternity, as well as for the broader sporting community across our country.”
Redman said that Jayden had so much to give to his sport.
“His path was tragically cut short, and we are shocked at his sudden passing. He did a lot for sport in our country in his short lifetime – as a sportsman and role model for young aspiring footballers,” he said.
He described Adams as a “dedicated young footballer with a bright future ahead”.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) also released a statement expressing devastation at the news, describing the loss to the country as “immeasurable”.
“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer,” read the statement.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched,” it read.
As the nation reflects on his contributions on the field, the focus remains on honoring a legacy defined by courage and talent.
He is survived by his family and friends, to whom the sporting community has extended its heartfelt condolences.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, in a statement, recalled 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 learned 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,” he wrote.
McKenzie had reached out to Adams to offer condolences, to which he responded: “He chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment, which speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.”
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