Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams says there was plenty of self-introspection after being snubbed for the Africa Cup of Nations as he now targets a place in the national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Adams, 24, joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch in a reported R20-million transfer in January 2025 and after an impressive start to life at the Brazilians, his form waned and he eventually lost his place in the starting line-up.
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This led to Adams being questioned over his mentality and ability to adapt in Gauteng, which has been an Achilles heel for many Western Cape-born talents in the past and eventually he was dropped from the Bafana Bafana squad by head coach Hugo Broos.
But since the return of football in 2026, post-AFCON, Adams has been in undroppable form alongside Teboho Mokoena, which has seen Marcelo Allende now drop to the bench, a clear signal of his resurgence under Miguel Cardoso.
“Hard work, and I think the break, after the AFCON, I reflected on myself, pushed myself, so yeah when I came back [from the break], I just gave my all [in training], the coach gave me an opportunity to start and I took it with both hands,” Adams said about his return to form.
“Yoh – it will mean a lot to me and my family [if I can go to the World Cup], I just want to make my family proud and showcase my talent on the big stage, so if I can get chosen, I will do my best.”
Adams will be hoping his displays will now translate his name from the preliminary squad to the final 23-man squad set to face off against Panama and with his dynamic performances he’s likely to provide several options as he explained his role at Sundowns this season.
“I’m an all-round player, I will play anywhere on the pitch, but my favourite position is as a number eight, box-to-box, but yeah we’re changing [myself and Mokoena].”
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