Jayden Adams makes his opportunity count at Mamelodi Sundowns
Jayden Adams scored a vital goal for Mamelodi Sundowns against St Eloi Lupopo to keep their CAF Champions League hopes alive.
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Jayden Adams’ patience at Mamelodi Sundowns is beginning to pay off, and former club stalwart Manqoba Ngwenya believes the midfielder has done enough to show he belongs in the starting line-up after fighting his way back into contention.
The 24-year-old joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC in January last year with expectations of becoming an important part of the squad. Instead, his first months at Chloorkop proved frustrating, as limited opportunities saw him struggle to establish himself in a midfield packed with quality.
His lack of game time at club level also had national-team consequences, with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos opting to leave him out of the Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The picture has changed in 2026, however, with Adams starting four of Sundowns’ six matches so far, signalling a renewed vote of confidence from the technical team.
Ngwenya, who represented Sundowns between 2003 and 2010, has been particularly impressed by how Adams has reclaimed his place ahead of Marcelo Allende and highlighted his goal in the CAF Champions League clash against Saint-Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi as a standout moment.
“What a beautiful header, the way he directed that header back to goal. Just pure quality,” Ngwenya said on the Soccer Beat podcast.
“It is good when players work for their positions. You see them play well, they get given an opportunity, and they take it.
“He had a great game against Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup, and then you see him in the starting line-up.
“Allende, you know, is definitely your tried and tested player in that line-up, especially in an important game. But he was left on the bench.
“I guess if you work hard and you prove yourself, you get that opportunity. And I think Jayden Adams has grabbed his opportunity,” Ngwenya added.
Adams’ recent run in the team suggests that his persistence is finally being rewarded, with the midfielder starting to rediscover the form that earned him his move to Sundowns in the first place. With competition for places remaining fierce, his next few performances could be crucial as he looks to turn this latest chance into a permanent role in the side.
IOL Sport