The community of Stellenbosch came out in numbers to pay their respects to Jayden Adams, the Bafana Bafana footballer from Stellenbosch who passed away earlier in July.
Adams died on 11 July in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town. He was 25.
As a footballer, he helped to write South African football history, guiding Mamelodi Sundowns FC to their second Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League trophy in the 2025/26 season, and Bafana Bafana to a historic first-ever place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jayden Adams (25), the Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player, who died on 11 July. He helped Mamelodi Sundowns win their second CAF Champions League trophy and also helped Bafana Bafana reach their first-ever knockout round at a FIFA World Cup. PHOTO: Instagram/Vino Snap
The cause of death is still under investigation, said Captain FC Van Wyk, the Western Cape police spokesperson.
“No foul play is suspected,” he said.
Adams’ funeral was held on 25 July, at Stellenbosch University’s Coetzenburg Centre.
Adams was a resilient footballer, said Jason Rhoada, Adams’ former youth-level coach at Maties FC and Stellenbosch FC’s academies, and the current general manager of Stellenbosch FC.
Adams joined Maties FC’s academy from Ajax Cape Town FC, now known as Cape Town Spurs FC, in 2016. During his speech, Rhoda recalled his words at the time when Adams joined them: “We’ve got something special here that’s coming into the academy.”
A funeral service for the late Bafana Bafana star, Jayden Adams, was held at Stellenbosch University’s Coetzenburg Centre on 25 July. The funeral was open to the public. PHOTO: Gio Anthony
Rhoda remembered Adams as a small, timid boy who played the game without fear – a person who never walked away from battles but always showed up when the team needed someone to deliver.
“We mourn one of our own. One that carries the hope of so many young kids, boys and girls in our community,” Rhoda said. “Jayden, you have inspired a full generation and your story will guide many more long after today.”
Juanito Adams, Jayden’s father, did the eulogy.
“Many people dream about meeting their favourite football player, but I can tell you all today: my wife and I raised our favourite footballer,” said Juanito Adams. “And yes, you get the GOATs [Greatest of All Time], Messi and Ronaldo, but I can tell you today. […] Jayden Oswin Adams was a GOAT”.
“Our community lost gold,” said Randell Visagie, a family friend. Adams was an inspiration to the community and the children of Cloetesville and Ida’s Valley, said Visagie.
“Jayden’s life as a person will leave a massive void in the community’s heart,” said Visagie.
Jayden Adams’ memorial service was held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall on 16 July, filled with members of the community. PHOTO: Gio Anthony
Earlier in the month, on 16 July, a memorial service was held at the Stellenbosch Town Hall, also in honour of Adams.
“Just look around you – our town hall is jam-packed,” said Jeremy Fasser, the Stellenbosch mayor, during the memorial. The turnout at the service testified to the lives that Adams had touched within the community, Fasser said.