JOHANNESBURG (AP) \u2014 South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played at the World Cup, has died. He was 25.<\/p>\n
His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa\u2019s minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Saturday.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie posted on X.<\/p>\n
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.<\/p>\n
Further details of his death were not given.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cause of Jayden\u2019s passing has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said. \u201cI wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adams started South Africa’s first Group A game against the Czech Republic and was substituted at halftime. McKenzie said he played that game only hours after learning that his grandmother had died.<\/p>\n
Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this year.<\/p>\n