South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns FC midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in all three Bafana Bafana games as it reached the Round of 32 has died a few days after returning from the FIFA World Cup.
South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed the news of his passing in a statement.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams” he said.
He added, “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
Police in South Africa said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
McKenzie noted that the cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and further urged members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion.
“Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.” He said.
