Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams showed his late teammate, Jayden Adams, brotherly love by changing his profile picture on Instagram to one of the defensive midfielder. Adams passed away on 11 July 2026, with his body found at a Bo-Kaap residence.
Also see: See: Ronwen Williams enjoys family time abroad after World Cup
Ronwen Williams remembers Jayden Adams
With both soccer stars also representing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Williams opted to use a picture of Adams in the club’s iconic green-and-yellow jersey. It showed the back of Adams, showcasing his surname and number.
Also see: Jayden Adams’ son’s mother shares emotional post
Jayden Adams’ death sparks mental health conversation
While the cause of Adams’ death has not been revealed to the public, many were left speculating and joining conversations about men’s mental health.
According to EWN, former Bafana Bafana player and player welfare coordinator for the South African Football Players Union, Brent Carelse, stated that a conversation surrounding the pressure and well-being of young professional athletes is needed.
“Everybody just expects them to be at their best at all times, and sometimes that’s not the case.
“I think there is a handful of teams in our country who have psychologists who work with the boys or the girls. I think it is sad that we don’t do that and we don’t try to help these human beings first, before we think of them as professional athletes.”
Carelse also highlighted the importance of early detection and intervention in the high-demanding world of sports, noting that many people fail to understand that sportspeople spend more time with their teammates than with their family.
“Not enough is being done to detect it at an early age as well, and also to help these athletes when they go through trauma and other things such as alcohol or drug abuse, or financially… There is not enough help for the athletes.”
Also see: Iqraam Rayners remembers Jayden Adams in emotional tribute
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