Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has opened up about his recent dip in form, reflecting on the challenging period that saw him relegated to a spectator role on the sidelines.
The 24-year-old has been a regular starter since the turn of 2026 after being frozen out from the end of September 2025. After starting the season enjoying some gametime, Adams then fell out of favour with coach Miguel Cardoso as he struggled to influence games.
That also saw him being excluded from the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 AFCON. Those were steps back for the player who was at the same tournament in the Ivory Coast when South Africa claimed bronze.
But he has managed to revive himself with some influential performances, including being named Man of the Match when Sundowns beat Sekhukhune United 3-1 in a Betway Premiership match on Sunday.
By picking up some good form, the former Stellenbosch FC midfielder has positioned himself for a return to the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hugo Broos’ squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Panama will give indications if Adams has muscled his way back into the Belgian’s plans after his resurgence.
While frozen out by Cardoso, criticism mounted on Adams, who is now trying to banish the notion that he was a transfer blunder after arriving at Sundowns from Stellenbosch in January 2025.
ADAMS REVISITS TIME ON THE SIDELINES
“It was a very difficult ordeal for me,” said Adams. “Yeah, I got a break and focused on myself, and when I came back, I did my best. I got my opportunity, and I took it with both hands.”
Adams’ chances of returning to the national team appear bright, given that Broos is still searching for a reliable playmaker. However, the former Cameroon coach might have found his man in Relebohile Mofokeng, who has been thriving in that role at Orlando Pirates.
But he would need depth in that position going to the World Cup.
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