South Africa is mourning the loss of one of its midfielders, who has died only weeks after representing the nation at the World Cup.
Jayden Adams, 25, featured in each of South Africa’s three group-stage matches before his death was confirmed.
Adams, a midfielder for both Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, was widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest young football talents. His death was confirmed on Saturday by South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, who said the cause had not yet been confirmed and urged the public and media to avoid speculation.
McKenzie said South African football had lost “one of its brightest young talents,” while the South African Football Players Union paid tribute to Adams as a “remarkable footballer” who represented his country with humility and pride.
Adams had helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, and had recently played through personal grief after the death of his grandmother during the tournament. He had spent several seasons at Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year, and helped the club win the CAF Champions League this year.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also joined the tributes, offering condolences to Adams’ family, teammates and supporters.