Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Brian Onyango has expressed strong
confidence that midfielder Jayden Adams will rediscover his best form at the
club and force his way back into Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana plans.
Adams, 24, is navigating his first full season with the champions after a
high-profile move from Stellenbosch FC in January. His initial impact was
immediate, making 17 league appearances to help secure Sundowns’ eighth
consecutive title. That early form earned him a national team call-up in
March, where he marked his debut with a goal as a substitute against Benin.
However, Adams has since found himself on the periphery of the national
team, missing the last four Bafana camps—including the recent successful
qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite this setback, Onyango, a former teammate at Stellenbosch, believes
it’s only a matter of time before Adams returns to the international stage.
He pointed to the player’s inherent qualities as the reason for his
optimism.
“When I heard the news that Jayden was joining Sundowns, I was happy for
him. I believed he was going to make an impact because of his qualities and
the fact that he is comfortable on the ball everywhere in midfield,” said
Onyango, who is currently a free agent after leaving Stellenbosch.
Highlighting Adams’ potential to feature in both the upcoming Africa Cup of
Nations in Morocco and the World Cup, Onyango advised patience and
persistence. “He may have missed the last Bafana matches, but I think if he
can continue to work hard, he will make it. Football is about seasons. He
must just stay focused, and with consistency, he will be back… He has the
talent to do that.”
