Jayden Adams demonstrated remarkable professionalism by playing through the loss of his grandmother at the FIFA World Cup, helping Bafana Bafana secure a crucial draw against Czechia and potentially attracting overseas club interest, as noted by Doctor Khumalo. Picture: AFP
Image: AFP
Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams had to cope with the devastating loss of his grandmother while representing South Africa at the FIFA World Cup.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star received the news just hours before Bafana’s Group A clash against Czechia in Atlanta on June 18, according to former South Africa captain Doctor Khumalo.
Despite the emotional blow, Adams took to the field as Bafana fought back to earn a crucial 1-1 draw through a Teboho Mokoena penalty seven minutes from time.
That point kept South Africa’s World Cup hopes alive, setting up a decisive final group match against South Korea.
Bafana seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion, pulling off a shock victory to finish second in Group A and book a historic Round of 32 clash against co-hosts Canada on Sunday.
Khumalo, who rates Adams highly, said the midfielder showed remarkable professionalism under incredibly difficult circumstances.
“Against Czechia, he [Adams] had a very serious problem. His grandmother passed away and he received the news just hours before the game," said Khumalo via 10bet.
“Maybe that was a reason why he was substituted. But he has worked very hard to command that position in the final squad and also in the Mamelodi Sundowns team.”
Khumalo also believes Adams has done enough at the World Cup to attract interest from clubs overseas.
He added that Orlando Pirates youngster Tshepang Moremi could also earn a move abroad following his performances for Bafana.
“And then we also have Tshepang Moremi who plays for Orlando Pirates, a young boy that played for a team that is called AmaZulu here in South Africa [in] KZN and Pirates bought him from AmaZulu. And again, this is one of the youngsters that I strongly believe has the potential to be scouted to play overseas.”