PHOTOS: Family, friends and football community bid farewell to Bafana star Jayden Adams

By Charmaine Ndlela

Family, teammates, football leaders and mourners gathered at the Coetzenburg Centre in Stellenbosch on Saturday to bid an emotional farewell to Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, with tributes describing the 25-year-old as a gifted footballer whose humility matched his exceptional talent.

Adams committed suicide on 11 July, less than two weeks after Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving South African football in mourning.

Police have opened an inquest into his death.

Delivering one of the most emotional tributes at the funeral service, Adams’ father, Juanito Adams, described his son as the family’s greatest pride and their “GOAT” — Greatest of All Time.

“Many people dream of meeting their favourite soccer player, but my wife and I raised our favourite soccer player,” he said.

“You get the GOATs like Messi and Ronaldo, but I can tell you