Stellenbosch DStv Diski Challenge coach Evangelos Vellios expresses strong confidence in Jayden Adams, emphasizing his exceptional playmaking abilities alongside his scoring prowess.

Adams, who began his career at Stellenbosch, progressing through their reserve and first teams, joined Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old midfielder has made a significant impact since joining the Brazilians, continuing the impressive form he displayed at Stellenbosch. He notably scored two goals for Bafana Bafana during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, contributing to Hugo Broos’s side securing six points.

He followed this with a late winning goal in Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup quarter-final victory over Sekhukhune United last Friday.

On Tuesday, Adams provided a crucial assist for Peter Shalulile’s goal as Sundowns defeated Esperance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final at Loftus Stadium.

Further contributions are anticipated from Adams when Sundowns travel to Morocco for the second leg next week.

In an interview with Sportswire, Vellios, the coach of Stellenbosch’s reserve side, revealed that he is not surprised by Adams’s success with Bafana Bafana and Sundowns.

“Jayden Adams, where can I start? Six years ago, we started this team together, and he’s just a very, very special, incredible and talented player,” Vellios said.

“Coach Jason Roder, who was coaching him before I came here, warned me about him as a special player. I think he is really a special player, and I’m not surprised about what he is doing in the national team.”

Despite concerns from some within the football community about Adams’s potential game time at Sundowns, Vellios maintained confidence in his success.

“A lot of people in sort of football community were worried when he went to Sundowns. But as for me, I was sure he will succeed there because of the ability he has, the height of the warrior,” he added.

“He is doing so well, and I wish him all the best. I’m so proud to see him scoring two goals in the Bafana Bafana and to see him being a man who can be part of the team that can go to the World Cup.

“I think that’s the staff of dreams, and it reminds me of my calling, and why I do this and why I give everything in this level of football. All in all, I’m very proud of him.”