The Brazilians were due to fly to Austria, where they had planned to fine-tune their preparations for the new season, but those plans have now been put on hold as the club comes to terms with the devastating loss of one of its brightest young stars.

The decision follows the heartbreaking death of the 25-year-old Bafana Bafana midfielder on Saturday.

Adams, widely admired for both his talent and humble nature, passed away just days after returning to South Africa with the national team following Bafana Bafana's historic FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The moment of silence for Jayden Adams ahead of the World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway - X

The gifted midfielder featured in three matches during the tournament, including South Africa's Round of 32 clash against Canada in Los Angeles. His performances came despite the emotional burden of losing his beloved grandmother shortly before the Group A fixture against Czechia in Atlanta.

Adams had also endured personal tragedy earlier in his career. In 2023, his close friend and former Stellenbosch FC teammate, Oshwin Andries, was fatally stabbed, making the latest loss all the more heartbreaking for those who knew his journey.

Sundowns confirmed on Sunday that the squad’s flight to Austria had been postponed, although the club intends to continue with its pre-season programme once the appropriate arrangements have been made.

The big screen in Miami - X

“Given the circumstances, the team did not travel to Austria yesterday,” club spokesperson Shupi Nkgadima said.

“As it stands, the pre-season has not been cancelled, but the departure has been postponed.”

The club also released an emotional statement paying tribute to Adams, whose passing has sent shockwaves through South African football.

“It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.

“The Chairman and the Motsepe family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC and the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of Jayden.

“We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him.

“Sundowns respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss.”

???????????? ?????????? - ?????????????? ?????? ???? ???? ??#Sundowns #RIPJayden pic.twitter.com/23GQvUEU7x

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 12, 2026

Messages of support have continued to pour in from across the football fraternity, with teammates, rivals and supporters united in mourning the loss of a player whose career appeared destined for even greater heights. There was even a moment of silence ahead of the World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway in Miami on Saturday.

At this stage, no funeral or memorial service details have been confirmed.

Adams is survived by his partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, and their five-year-old daughter.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport