Barker Shields Adams After Bafana Bafana’s “Bad Behaviour” 

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has shared his take on Jayden Adams’ drop from the national team due to bad behavior. 

Adams was omitted from the Bafana Bafana squad that played against Congo Brazzaville in two home and away AFCON qualifiers. 

The Stellies middleman was expected to report to camp in the Eastern Cape after playing the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates earlier this month. 

Having established himself as a usual feature in the national team, the Stellenbosch midfielder was unprecedentedly dismissed by coach Hugo Broos from the Bafana squad for what the Belgian tactic described as ‘bad behavior.’ 

After a 2-1 victory over AmaZulu in the first fixture of the Carling Knockout Cup on Friday, the Stellies coach addressed Adams’ Bafana snub, in reflecting on the 23-year-old’s tough moments in the recent past. 

“You know I think Jayden is a very talented footballer you know. At the end of the window, he got lots of talk and the move and it didn’t happen and then obviously the Bafana camp, not being selected. So, it’s not easy prey for him but he’s a quality footballer,” affirmed Barker. 

“He just needs to get back and enjoy playing football and doing what he is capable of doing.” 

Barker continued to laud the Carling Cup-winning midfielder reflecting on his impact in their victory over Usuthu after having come on in the second half and pulling yet another solid shift in the middle of the field.

“I thought he came on and calmed the game down for us and settled the game, he was good on the ball. But sometimes you have to be there for players and help them through difficult moments,” complemented Barker. 

The 56-year-old reassured Adams’ return to the national team, asserting, “Jayden will be key for us, important for us and I’m sure he will bounce back and fight for his position back at the Bafana team.”