16 July 2026 – Late Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams was remembered at a memorial service held for him at Stellenbosch Town Hall, Stellenbosch, on Thursday.
The 25-year-old Adams is being mourned around the world after passing away shortly after returning home from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana a few days ago. South African Football Association (SAFA) Vice President Linda Zwane was among the many teammates, coaches, family and friends who paid tribute to the midfielder.
“Jayden Adams at the tender age of 25 has left us not just in mourning, but in a state of profound shock and disbelief. Standing before you today on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the South African Football Association, I carry the collective grief of an entire football nation,” Vice President Zwane said.
“Jayden was not just a footballer, he was a beacon of hope, a gentle soul, and a young man whose brightest chapters were actively being written before our very eyes. At just 25, he had already reached heights many only dream of. Yet, his journey was cut heartbreakingly short, leaving us to grapple with how fragile and fleeting this life truly is.”
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams paid tribute to the player he also led to battle during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and in the United States of America (USA) a few days ago. He was joined by his Sundowns teammates and many others in remembrance of Adams.
“To the Adams family: we cannot begin to fathom the depth of your pain. To lose a son, a brother, and a pillar of your home so suddenly is a burden too heavy to bear,” Vice President Zwane continued.
“On behalf of SAFA, we thank you. We thank you for raising a young man of such high caliber, humility, and character. You gave South Africa a hero, and we share in your grief. As you walk through this valley of the shadow of death, we pray that you find comfort in the Word of God. We leave you with the words of Matthew 5:4:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Adams’ funeral will be held on 25 July 2026.
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