CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (THECOUNT) — Jayden Oswin Adams was identified as the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder in the incident confirmed Saturday in Schotsche Kloof by the South African Football Players Union and the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.
He was 25 years old.
|
Advertisement |
Adams, of Cape Town, South Africa, played as a midfielder. He rose through the youth ranks at Stellenbosch FC alongside teammate Oshwin Andries. Adams joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC on January 18, 2025.
Mamelodi Sundowns won the CAF Champions League in May 2026. Adams dedicated his winners medal to Andries, who died in 2023 after a stabbing. The club had previously lost another young player, Jeandre Gaffoor, early in 2026.
Adams earned selection to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana competed in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Adams started in the group stage match against Mexico, a 2-0 loss. He started in the group stage match against Czechia, a 1-1 draw. He entered as a substitute in the group stage match against South Korea, a 1-0 victory on June 24 that secured advancement to the knockout rounds for the first time in South Africa national team history. Adams remained an unused substitute in the round of 32 match against Canada on June 28, a loss that ended the tournament run.
Adams played in the 1-1 draw against Czechia the day after the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie stated he reached out to Adams to offer condolences and encouragement during that period. McKenzie said he would carry forever the humble and appreciative response from Adams. McKenzie added that Adams chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country at that moment, reflecting depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years and the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.
The South African Football Players Union released a statement Saturday. The union stated it is devastated by the untimely matter involving Adams. The statement noted Adams had only recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. The union described the matter as an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. The union extended deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched. The union described Adams as a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer. The union stated South African football has lost such a player and wished his soul rest in eternal peace.
Authorities have not released a cause in the matter. The family spokesperson, Brendine Johnson, requested privacy on behalf of the family. Adams died in the Schotsche Kloof area of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. View Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town on Google Maps
Mamelodi Sundowns competes in the South African Premier Soccer League and ranks among the most decorated clubs in the country. The CAF Champions League serves as the top annual club competition across the African continent. Bafana Bafana represents the South Africa national soccer team. The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the first time South Africa advanced beyond the group stage in the tournament.
Adams featured in two starts and one substitute appearance across the three group stage matches. His club transition from Stellenbosch FC to Mamelodi Sundowns occurred midway through the 2024-2025 domestic season. His international call-up came ahead of the 2026 tournament after consistent performances at club level. The South African Football Association and national team staff selected him for the final squad announced in June 2026.
Statements from the South African Football Players Union and the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture were issued on the same day, Saturday, July 11, 2026. Both organizations confirmed the matter involving Adams. No further details on the circumstances have been released by officials at this time.
DEVELOPING::