'Big loss to South Africa' - Stellenbosch mourns Jayden Adams
Key Takeaways
- Stellenbosch held an emotional memorial for Bafana Bafana star Jayden Adams.
- Family members said they are still struggling to accept the 25-year-old's death.
- Police have opened an inquest, with the cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Family, teammates and supporters gathered in the town where his football journey began as questions remain over the 25-year-old's sudden death
The town of Stellenbosch came together on Thursday to honour the life of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams, as grieving family members, friends and supporters paid tribute to the footballer whose career inspired many across South Africa.
Footage showed mourners filling Stellenbosch Town Hall, with candles lit in Adams's memory as relatives, football officials, former teammates and fans gathered to remember the 25-year-old.
Nearly a week after his sudden death, Adams's family said they were still struggling to come to terms with the loss.
"Reality didn't kick in yet," Adams's sister, Amy Adams, said. "We are here to support each other through this difficult time."
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His cousin, Aiden Johnson, described the family's grief.
"It's still a very sensitive matter. We were struggling a lot," he said. "Very emotional. But yeah, we trying to support each other and just be there for each other as we're supposed to. Because I believe that's what he would have wanted."
Adams began his football journey in Stellenbosch and made 139 senior appearances for the club, helping lift the Carling Knockout trophy in 2023 before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
His performances earned him a place in South Africa's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he made three appearances and helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages for the first time.
George Rhoda, president of the South African Football Association's Cape Winelands region, said Adams's death had left a deep void.
"It's a big loss not only to the national team but also to the people of South Africa, as the contribution is made to all our people in Stellenbosch especially. A huge, huge and a big, big loss to our city and to the country," Rhoda said.
Police said Adams's body was discovered at a property in Cape Town's Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood on Saturday morning.
An inquest has been opened, but authorities have not yet announced the cause of his death.
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This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
