Broos Delighted About Adams’ Return To Bafana Fold
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has welcomed the return of Jayden Adams, who has been in outstanding form for Mamelodi Sundowns in the second half of the season.
After a slow start to the campaign, Adams has emerged as one of Sundowns’ key players following the mid-season break after the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco in January.
The midfielder had missed out on that tournament after falling out of favour, but has since rediscovered top form under Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, forming an impressive midfield partnership with Bafana Bafana regular Teboho Mokoena.
Broos believes their growing understanding at club level could be a major boost for the national team.
Adams has been included in the latest Bafana Bafana squad set to face Panama in two FIFA-sanctioned international friendlies at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 27 March and at the DHL Stadium four days later.
These fixtures represent South Africa’s final preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June.
As a result, players like Adams will be under significant pressure to impress before Broos submits his final squad to FIFA on 30 May.
“I’m very happy that he is back,” said Broos.
“I think, being out of the team, he learned a lot. I can now see on the pitch that he is playing very well. There is a good combination with Teboho Mokoena, and that is very important for us.
“When I saw his performances, there was no reason not to call him up. He is a talented player. He was already very good at Stellenbosch, but he is improving further by playing at a higher level, especially in CAF Champions League matches.
“There is also more pressure at Sundowns because five or six players are competing for the same position.
“His reaction has been very positive. I think he is ready to be a Bafana Bafana player again, and I hope he remains part of the squad.”
Adams, who was part of the South African squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast, has missed the national team’s last 11 matches.
His most recent appearance came in a World Cup qualifier against Benin in Ivory Coast in March last year, where he featured for just 14 minutes.
