By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The late Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Jayden Adams who passed away on 11 July 2026, aged 25, is remembered at the Stellenbosch Town Hall.
Family, friends, teammates and supporters came together to celebrate his life and remarkable football journey.
To allow as many people as possible to pay their respects, two separate memorial services have been arranged.
The first service took place from 9am to 12pm and was a private ceremony attended by guests only.
At 5pm, the doors will open to members of the public, giving supporters the opportunity to honour a player whose career inspired football fans across the country.
Sundowns players and coaches joined Adams’ family at Stellenbosch Town Hall to pay tribute to the midfield maestro.
Bafana Bafana captain and Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, said Adams won’t be forgotten.
“We will miss your quality, your passes, your vision and your brotherhood. We will never forget you. We will carry you in our hearts, carry you on our sleeves, carry you on this badge and forever you will remain part of us. Jayden, fly high with the angels. We will continue keeping your legacy alive.”
Former Stellies coach Steve Barker and Sundowns co-coach Steve Komphela, described the midfielder as one of the best players they had ever worked with.
The late star was the first academy graduate to sign a professional contract with the senior team under Barker.
“I think Jayden was a very talented footballer,” Barker said. “You know, at the end of the transfer window, there were a lot of talks of moves for him.”
Komphela said it was the midfielder’s quiet nature, discipline and exceptional ability that he would remember most.
“I will miss his silence, quality on the field, and his voice. A man of very few words,” he said.
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.
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.