Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos paid an emotional tribute to the late midfielder Jayden Adams during his funeral in Stellenbosch, mourning the loss of a player with immense potential.

Adams, who passed away at 25, was celebrated for his pivotal role in helping South Africa reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

Broos highlighted that Adams was selected for the World Cup squad without hesitation, crediting him for his standout performances during the tournament.

The Belgian coach expressed deep sorrow over losing a talent who had only begun to realize his potential, stating Adams was destined to become a 'very big and great player' for South Africa.

SAFA president Danny Jordaan also attended the funeral, emphasizing the need for improved player welfare amid the tragic deaths of young footballers like Adams, Oswin Andries, and Gift Leremi.Jordaan called for systemic support beyond sports, including psychological services, to address the pressures faced by athletes.

The article underscores the profound impact of losing promising talents prematurely and highlights ongoing calls for better care within South African football.