Not often does a single football photograph stir such vivid memories, but the image of Jayden Adams standing forehead-to-forehead with AS FAR Rabat’s Abdelfettah Hadraf, locked in a fiery confrontation, instantly brought back a moment that has remained impossible to forget.
And perhaps more importantly, it highlighted just how far the Stellenbosch FC development product has come in such a short space of time. Like many others, I was unsure of Adams’ decision to join Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellies in January 2025. At the time, the move felt risky for a player who needed regular minutes and continued development.
Even Hugo Broos appeared unconvinced at certain stages, with Adams largely remaining a peripheral figure in the national team setup. During the return flight to South Africa after Bafana Bafana’s successful 2024 AFCON campaign in the Ivory Coast, striker Zakhele Lepasa openly suggested the then 22-year-old should avoid joining a local giant and instead pursue a move overseas. At the time, that advice made perfect sense. ‘Zakes’ believes in ‘Grootman’, who has recently earned that nickname.
The early months at Sundowns were difficult. Opportunities were limited, and consistent game time proved hard to come by in a squad overflowing with quality and experience. For long periods, Adams watched from the sidelines while trying to adapt to the demands and expectations that come with representing the newly crowned African champions.
But patience eventually met opportunity. When the chances finally arrived, Adams grabbed them with both hands. His performances in midfield have shown maturity, composure and tactical intelligence beyond his years. More importantly, he has looked increasingly comfortable on the biggest stages.
What makes his rise even more remarkable is the memory of a vulnerable moment at AFCON in the Ivory Coast.
JAYDEN ADAMS’ MOMENT OF VULNERABILITY
Veteran SABC Sport journalist Velile Mnyandu, iDiski Times journalist Lorenz Köhler, and I still remember the moment vividly. Just before an interview arranged by the then Bafana media officer, Romy Titus, Jayden Adams suddenly appeared, overcome by nerves.
In front of the small media gathering, he dropped to the floor, looking distressed and on the verge of fainting, clearly overwhelmed by the pressure of the moment. Water was quickly brought over as he tried to compose himself and recover.
Now, 25 months later, just two weeks after his 25th birthday, the same player is an African champion and edging closer to cementing his place in South Africa’s plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The environment at Mamelodi Sundowns appears to have accelerated his growth both mentally and tactically.
Interestingly, straight after the Champions League triumph, Sundowns made him available for media duties — not in front of three journalists this time, but close to 30. Still in his flip-flops and socks, and with the sweat of the final not yet dried, he spoke with the calm assurance of a champion. A “Grootman” in the making, fully aware of what he has achieved.
There was no need for water this time. He spoke boldly and clearly about what it took to win the Champions League, the club’s culture, its high standards, and the experience within the squad, all of which shaped his development.
“This new Jayden is a fighter,” Mnyandu says. “He’s grown, and the environment at Sundowns also allows him. It’s exciting to watch.”
Truly, the transformation is striking. And perhaps, in the long run, Lepasa’s original wish may still come true.
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