Sundowns midfielder’s ‘champagne passes’ leaves Chiefs legend speechless

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has heaped praise on Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who has earned a recall to the Bafana Bafana national team after a year in the wilderness.

The talented midfielder is enjoying a resurgence in form and has been brought back into the Bafana Bafana setup by coach Hugo Broos.

Adams was previously sidelined from the national team following a disciplinary issue where he reported late for duty while he was also not playing at Sundowns.

After a lengthy absence, Bafana Hugo Broos has recalled the Sundowns star to the national squad. The decision comes as Adams enjoys a stellar season with the Premier Soccer League champions, featuring in 26 matches across all competitions, scoring two goals, and providing one assist.

Khumalo praises midfielder’s resilience

The initial fallout with Broos occurred when Adams, then a Stellenbosch FC player, arrived late for a national team camp. The coach took a firm stance, leaving him out of the squad preparing for an AFCON 2025 qualifier against Congo. After a year on the sidelines, Adams has returned and appears ready to stake his claim for a permanent spot in the team.

Former Chiefs icon Khumalo lauded the Sundowns player for his impressive comeback after a period of struggle.

“To be honest and precise, we need to give this boy applause because he was taken out of the squad. He was not playing at Sundowns, and when he got a chance, listen, it’s like he’s saying, ‘I don’t think you understand who I am; now let me show you,’” Khumalo stated on the DNA Podcast as per GOAL.

“He’ll hit you with an amazing pass; you can only stop it in your heart. It will move right past you; your foot won’t even move. No doubt he’s one of the best players right now. I do not dispute that. We can all see it. He’s good.”

Mamelodi Sundowns star earns high praise

“He goes about his business quietly; you’ll be woken up by one of his champagne passes. He’s commanding the midfield at Sundowns; he even benches [Marcelo] Allende,” Khumalo added.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos recently reflected on his past disagreement with Adams, expressing satisfaction with the player’s development over the last year.

“I think Jayden is the same story as [Relebohile Mofokeng] and [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi. When you’re so young and suddenly you become a very good player, a star, and there is so much interest in you, it’s difficult to manage that,” Broos explained.

Broos justified Adams’ Bafana return

“And in a certain moment, Jayden lost himself also; the moment he went to Sundowns, I think he thought, ‘Ah, things are done,’ and as time went on, he was not playing; he was on the bench, and he was even in the stands at certain moments.”

“He did what he did with the national team when I was not happy with that, but he’s learnt a lot, and he knows now. When you see him playing, he’s more mature, and the qualities are still there. And this maturity is something he got in the last year,” the coach concluded.

As Adams continues to excel for his club, reports have surfaced suggesting he has captured the attention of clubs abroad. According to Soccer Laduma, an unnamed Dutch club is interested, with a potential move likely to be decided after the 2026 World Cup.