Sage Stephens’ guidance for youngsters in the wake of Adams ‘bad behaviour’

Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens has offered guidance to young athletes in the wake of Jayden Adams’ alleged misconduct—failing to report for Bafana Bafana duty.

This past weekend, Adams was in action in the MTN8 final for Stellenbosch as they lost 3-1 against Orlando Pirates at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium.

A day after the final, Adams reportedly failed to report for Bafana Bafana duty ahead of their 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville.

Bafana will face Congo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday, October 11th, before travelling to Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat for the return fixture.

Adams’ absence has forced coach Hugo Broos to replace him with Chippa United’s promising midfielder, Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 23-year-old Adams has been a regular in the Bafana Bafana squad in recent months and was part of the squad that won a bronze medal at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Broos expressed disappointment with Adams’ behaviour and decided to drop the highly-rated midfielder.

SAGE STEPHENS TELLS YOUNGSTERS NOT TO BE CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT

Adams’ teammate at Stellenbosch, Sage Stephens, distanced himself from the situation but took the opportunity to advise youngsters not to be ‘caught up in the moment’.

“Look, I can’t comment on that [Jayden Adams situation]; I don’t have all the information, and it’s not for me to speak about it,” Stephens said at the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 draws in Sandton on Tuesday.

“But if we can bring it to youngsters, I can give them advice, which is not to get caught up in the moment. Continue focusing and know that there is a bright future for you. As long as you keep on putting in the work, then the sky is the limit, as long as you are willing to work hard.”

In addition, Adams was the subject of speculation in the past transfer window after attracting interest from big-spenders Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Stellenbosch was not willing to lose another key player to Masandawana.

Stellies have already sold striker Iqraam Rayners to the Brazilians, and they have also lost Deano Van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates.

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