Miguel Cardoso pays emotional tribute to Jayden Adams

The 25-year-old had only recently returned from the FIFA World Cup in North America, where he represented South Africa against Mexico, Czechia, South Korea and Canada.

Sundowns signed Adams from Stellenbosch FC less than a month following Cardoso’s appointment and the coach remembered him fondly. 

"I felt the need to express a little bit what Jaden meant to us, what he means to us, what he'll remain to and continue to mean to us, but I had to write like if I was writing for him. Basically, Jayden, I don't have words to tell you what you were, what you are and what you mean to us. We received you in our family not long after my arrival in the club and we grew together," said Cardoso

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"I remember watching you play against Stade Malien at Loftus in the Conference League. It was your last match in Stellenbosch. Goal, that incredible first post movement you usually have and that beautiful header."

"I saw you easy, medium pace, reading the pitch and placing accordingly, like you had a GPS and could avoid the traffic. That ball was clean, the game becoming quick, the teammates playing better. I remember asking in what position you were better player and there was no clear answer on that."

The Portuguese mentor also recalled how Adams was a man of few words but made big statements with his performance on the pitch.

For the Sundowns coach, the team played better with Adams in it. 

Cardoso also spoke about the loss he has experienced previously when talented young players perished at the height of their careers.

Cardoso revealed briefly catching up with Adams before the player was expected back for pre-season and “all seemed normal”.