Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Motsepe’s emotional Adams tribute, ex-defender lands new role & more

Latest on Mamelodi Sundowns, including chairman Thlopie Motsepe’s emotional farewell to the late Jayden Adams and a coaching appointment for a former Masandawana defender in Durban.

Motsepe leads tributes to Jayden Adams

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe has paid an emotional tribute to Jayden Adams, describing the late Bafana Bafana midfielder as “a very special human being” whose legacy reaches well beyond the pitch.

According to the Cape Times, Motsepe was among hundreds of mourners who gathered in Stellenbosch on Saturday to bid farewell to the 25-year-old, who passed away last week.

JAYDEN ADAMS FUNERAL | An emotional Thlopie Motsepe pays tribute to 'Grootman', celebrating him as a remarkable footballer whose talent, passion and impact on the game will be remembered far beyond South Africa's borders. pic.twitter.com/H2arn2JA7P

— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 25, 2026

Speaking at the funeral service, the Sundowns chairman urged those present to remember Adams first as a son, a brother and a father, and only then as the footballer who brought joy to supporters across the country.

Motsepe also reflected on the midfielder’s part in one of the most successful chapters in the club’s history, having helped Masandawana lift the CAF Champions League and further domestic silverware during his spell in Tshwane.

He recalled a quiet character who made himself felt in the dressing room without saying a great deal, and who enjoyed gently teasing the more serious members of the squad.

CAF president among the mourners in Stellenbosch

CAF president Patrice Motsepe also attended the service in Stellenbosch, joining representatives from across the South African and continental football fraternity.

The CAF boss also revealed that talks are underway with Adams’ family to see how they can be helped by Sundowns.

“For us as a family, we have a duty. We have identified football as one of the things where we try to give back to the people of this country,” said the CAF boss.

“I am very proud that there were some discussions about Mamelodi Sundowns continuing to see how they can help at least for some time, to help Jayden’s children.”

Ex-Sundowns defender joins Golden Arrows staff

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Zwane has been appointed as an assistant coach at Lamontville Golden Arrows ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

As reported by GOAL, citingi Diski Times, the retired full-back joins a technical team led by new head coach Pitso Dladla, who took over at Abafana Bes’thende after Manqoba Mngqithi left at the end of last season.

Zwane, a dependable presence in the Brazilians’ backline during his playing days, retired in 2020 and has since spent time in the media studying tactical trends.

He will work alongside fellow assistant James Madidilane and goalkeeper coach Jacob Mokhasi, both of whom were brought in last month.

The trophy-winning former defender has already started work, having been spotted on the bench beside Dladla at the KZN Premier’s Cup in Durban, where Arrows faced Durban City.

Arrows open their league season against Chippa United on 1 August, with Sundowns hosting Marumo Gallants on the same day.