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South African football has been rocked by reports of the death of midfielder Jaden Adams, aged just 25. The news was first reported by sports outlet Soccer Laduma, which said the player's representatives and manager had confirmed the incident, but an official response from the authorities and the club was still awaited.
" Details surrounding Adams' death remain unclear. Our team has spoken to the player's representatives and his guardian, who confirmed the tragic news ," writes "Soccer Laduma."
If confirmed, the loss comes just days after Adams was one of the most important figures for South Africa at the World Cup. With his performances, he contributed to the national team making history by becoming the first team from the country to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup.
The sad news was also confirmed by his mentor, Brandin Johnson, who asked for respect for the family's privacy in these difficult moments.
" At this moment everything is still very fresh. The family does not want to be contacted. This loss has shocked us all. I had spoken to him on Thursday and he was very optimistic about returning after the World Cup. Nobody expected this ," Johnson told "Soccer Laduma".
The story is made even more poignant by the fact that Adams had already gone through another personal tragedy during the World Cup. According to former South Africa captain Dr. Kumalo, the midfielder received the news of his grandmother's death just hours before the team's group stage match against the Czech Republic on June 18 in Atlanta.
However, he decided to come on and helped his team secure a 1-1 draw, a result that kept their hopes of qualification alive. South Africa then achieved a historic victory over South Korea, finishing second in Group A and securing their first ever knockout stage place, where they faced Canada.
Doctor Kumalo described Adams as a footballer with extraordinary professionalism, who continued to give his best for the team even during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Until now, the causes of the 25-year-old's death have not been made public, while an official response from his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as the South African Football Association, is awaited.
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