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CAF president mourns South Africa World Cup player Jayden Adams

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe expressed deep sadness over the death of South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
  • Adams, 25, represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns team that won the CAF Champions League.
  • The midfielder's death, occurring shortly after the World Cup, is considered a significant loss to South African football.

Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has conveyed his profound sadness following the death of South African international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams. Adams, aged 25, was a notable figure who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was a key member of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that secured the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in Rabat.

On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr Motsepe conveys his heartfelt condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), and its President, Dr Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and to the Family of Jayden Adams.

— Dr Patrice MotsepeIn a condolence message following the death of Jayden Adams.

In a condolence message, Motsepe extended heartfelt sympathies on behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations to the South African Football Association (SAFA), its president Dr. Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, and Adams' family. "May Jayden Adam’s Soul Rest in Peace," Motsepe concluded his tribute.

Adams had recently become a regular in the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, after previously playing for Stellenbosch FC. His passing comes just weeks after his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he featured in all three group-stage matches as South Africa advanced to the knockout stage for the first time before their elimination by Canada. He also contributed to South Africa's semi-final appearance in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

May Jayden Adam’s Soul Rest in Peace.

— Dr Patrice MotsepeConcluding his tribute to the late midfielder.

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, described Adams' death as a "huge loss" to the nation's football community. "It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams," McKenzie stated. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of his death, and the South African police have confirmed that an investigation is underway.

It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.

— Gayton McKenzieSouth Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, reacting to Adams' death.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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