South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, weeks after representing his country at the FIFA World Cup.
South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced the player’s death in a statement on Sunday, describing it as a great loss to the country’s football community.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.
“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,” the minister said.
McKenzie urged members of the public and the media to avoid speculation, noting that the cause of the footballer’s death had not yet been confirmed.
“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time.
“Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course,” he added.
Meanwhile, South African police said an investigation had commenced after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
The police did not immediately release further details, while authorities are awaiting the outcome of investigations to determine the cause of death.
Adams was widely regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest football talents and recently featured for Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup.
