Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has spoken glowingly of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
Adams joined Sundowns in the January transfer window and has taken little time to show his true qualities following impressive performances for the Brazilians so far.
The former Stellenbosch FC midfielder has added another dimension to Sundowns’ game, enabling them to play through the lines, and also elevated their creativity.
It is no coincidence that Sundowns have been playing an attractive brand of football in recent matches with the 23-year-old in the side and now open up opponents with ease, scoring three or more goals in their last eight matches, all of which he has featured in.
‘Iniesta-like’ Adams must play for Bafana
“Jayden Adams has football intelligence. That guy reminds me of [Andres] Iniesta from Spain and I think he’s got football intelligence,” Khanye said on iDiski TV, emphasising why Bafana Bafana coach should utilise the midfielder.
“This boy, if we were fair enough, I think in the national team he has to start and finish even if he doesn’t finish the game, but he has to start.
“If there’s other players like [Sphephelo] Sithole playing ahead of Adams, then football is not fair. For me, he has to start the game and then coach Hugo Broos can decide.”
Khanye feels Sundowns have the best midfield in the country, with its balance boosted by the signing of Adams, whose link up with Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende is making them tick.
“He’s [Adams] brought another dimension at Sundowns. Box-to-box. He’s got the energy. He doesn’t lose the ball, awareness and vision,” he added.
Will Broos recall the Sundowns midfielder?
“Technically, he knows football and well done to him that he complements Mokoena, also Allende. Different class of player. He’s not the type of player that passes to the sides. Also, thanks to him that he’s coachable.”
Adams has played in eight games since joining Sundowns and has two goals to his name. His quality will be crucial for the Brazilians as they chase PSL and CAF Champions League glory.
The midfielder was called for two games during Bafana Bafana’s 2025 World Cup qualifiers but was later dropped for the final round of matches over ‘indiscipline’ although recent reports claim coach Hugo Broos has decided to call him back for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Next up for Adams and his Sundowns team-mates are Kaizer Chiefs, who they host at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
