By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams was laid to rest in his hometown of Stellenbosch on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Adams passed away on the 11 July 2026, aged 25.
SA Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson Frederick C van Wyk stated that there was no foul play in the death of Adams.
“Cape Town Central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday, 11 July 2026, at 11:06 am at a premises in Military Road, Schotsche Kloof.”
“No foul play is suspected. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. Investigations continue,” Van Wyk said.
In a statement released ahead of the funeral, the Adams family said that, given the interest in the funeral and the magnitude of the occasion, a meeting was convened with all relevant role players, including police, the venue owner and traffic services.
“In the best interest of all attendees and to ensure that we say goodbye to our beloved Jayden in a dignified manner, a collective decision was taken that:
“a) Only the family will be allowed to view the body before the service;
“b) Only the family will be allowed to attend the service at the cemetery.
“These decisions weren’t taken lightly, as we know you all wanted to share all moments with us, but we are sure you can understand and respect them given the expected number of attendees at the funeral.”
Government officials, football management and players were among the mourners at a packed Coetzenberg Recreational Centre.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said his role was simply to convey condolences on behalf of the continent’s football family.
“The families and community of Bafana Bafana, Stellenbosch and Mamelodi Sundowns are in a better position to speak today. I’m just here to pass on my condolences from the Motsepe family and of course the 54 nations in Africa whose member associations are part of CAF,” he said.
The Sundowns owner said the club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe will soon have a sit-down with the departed midfielder’s loved ones to thrash out the modalities of how they will be helped.
Adams, who joined Sundowns in January 2025 from Stellenbosch FC, signed a three-and-a-half-year contract that was to run until June 2028.
The Sundowns chairman reflected on the midfielder’s contribution to one of the club’s most successful periods, having helped Masandawana lift the CAF Champions League and several domestic honours during his time in Tshwane.
“We were just honoured to be able to achieve a very special moment in our club’s history with Jayden there beside us and that’s going to stay on the walls and memories of the club.”
He said it was important to remember Adams not only for his football ability but also for the person he was away from the game.
“Yes he was a footballer but first and foremost he was a son, brother and father, a very special human being. Of-course he made a name for himself by bringing joy to everybody by playing the game he loves most and made us all so happy,” Motsepe said.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie thanked Stellenbosch FC where Adams played before his move to Sundowns.
“You guys, what you have done. It all started with you, you recognised talent, Stellenbosch and you were not jealous to hold onto it. There are many club owners, they don’t want to sell players because they’re holding onto them. What did Stellenbosch do? When Sundowns came knocking, they said ‘go’ and show the world. For that Stellenbosch we will always honour and respect you”
Born and raised in Cloetesville in Stellenbosch, Adams’ football journey began with Glen Eagles FC before his talent caught the attention of Cape Town Spurs, then known as Ajax Cape Town.
His biggest breakthrough, however, came at Stellenbosch FC, where he became the club’s first academy graduate to earn a professional contract, a landmark achievement that reflected both his talent and determination.
Making his senior debut at just 19 during the 2020/21 season, Adams quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers.
Across 139 appearances in maroon, he played a key role in Stellenbosch FC’s rise and helped the club lift the Carling Knockout Cup in 2023 before securing a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
The midfielder featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping South Africa reach the knockout phase for the first time in the country’s history.
His passing was also acknowledged on the global stage, with FIFA observing moments of silence before the World Cup quarter-finals between England and Norway, and Argentina and Switzerland.
Adams leaves behind his two beautiful children, Jude and Allaia Adams, partner Aqueelah Chloe Adendorf, his mother Jody Solomons and father, Juanito Adams.