The Bafana Bafana 26-man Fifa World Cup squad with President Cyril Ramaphosa, and among the players is the late Jatden adams.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and President Cyril Ramaphosa have led national tributes for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away on Saturday, July 11, at a premise in Military Road, Schotschekloof, Cape Town.
The death of the 25-year-old was officially confirmed by his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, late on Saturday. His tragic passing comes at a peak trajectory in his career, having just helped guide Bafana Bafana to a historic knockout stage berth at the ongoing Fifa World Cup in North America.
Adams demonstrated immense courage throughout the tournament. McKenzie recalled how the midfielder played through profound personal grief during South Africa's second group-stage match, following the passing of his 72-year-old grandmother, Marianna Adams.
“I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta,” McKenzie said in an official statement. “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 learnt 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 of that game.”
