Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has opened up about his recent resurgence following a difficult period, particularly last year.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a key figure in Miguel Cardoso’s midfield, forming a potent partnership with Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende.
Adams’ struggles last year saw him lose his place at Sundowns and subsequently drop out of the Bafana Bafana squad, ultimately missing the AFCON tournament in Morocco.
However, after rediscovering his form and cementing his spot in the Brazilians’ starting XI, he has earned a recall to the national team and is now a near-certainty for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Adams admitted he was scared when he first arrived at Chloorkop, but credits his mental strength and persistence for his successful return to the fold.
“To be honest with you, at Sundowns, they have the best of everything, from goalkeepers to strikers,” Adams told iDiski Times.
“So, I think nothing separates me from the other midfielders. Everyone has their own strengths, and I think I have started to be more comfortable this year.
“Like when I came, I was scared to make mistakes, because I know the next one will come in and do the job, and that happened in the last year. I didn’t play a lot, always on the bench, but I didn’t think, ‘nah, it’s over, I don’t have a chance,’ I kept on pushing till I got my chance.
“I did get one, and I took it with both hands. I think that game, I went to someone’s room, I’m not gonna mention names, but I went to his room, the team was out, and I told him I don’t, I’m gonna look back now after this, I will start every game.
“Why I should start in the midfield, you know I don’t like speaking of myself, but I think I just give the team the stability in the midfield, like I will always play what I see, if like example, Tebza goes up, I will stay and protect the second ball, or the centre backs, and I think just the on the ball stuff.”
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