South Africa is mourning the loss of two promising young athletes following the deaths of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams and former SA Under-18 rugby prop Luqobo Makwedini.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families, teammates and supporters of the two sportsmen, describing their deaths as a tragic loss for the country.

“It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding, young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the FIFA World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today,” the President said.

“We are grateful for the joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given us and their teams as they lived their dreams and held South Africa’s name high on the scoreboards of global sport. May their souls rest in peace.”

Football star dies aged 25

Adams, 25, had recently returned from representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was preparing to leave with Mamelodi Sundowns for the club’s pre-season tour of Europe.

His death was confirmed by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who paid tribute to one of South African football’s brightest young talents.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie said.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”

The cause of Adams’ death has not yet been officially confirmed. Police have opened an inquest docket. His body was reportedly discovered at a property in Cape Town on Saturday morning.

Family spokesperson and mentor Brendine Johnson told Soccer Laduma the news had devastated those closest to him.

“The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now… This passing has ripped everybody apart,” she said, adding that Adams had been excited about the future after returning from the World Cup and winning the CAF Champions League with Sundowns.

Young rugby prospect dies in France

It was reported that former South African Under-18 prop Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini died after collapsing following a training session with French club AS Béziers Hérault on Friday.

The 20-year-old, a former Wynberg Boys’ High learner from Cape Town, reportedly became ill after training and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few hours later.

French media reported that he was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, although the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

Makwedini had joined the Béziers academy ahead of the 2025/26 season and was viewed as one of the club’s most promising young players, with a promotion to the senior squad expected before the start of the new campaign.

Club president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad said Makwedini had quickly become a valued member of the club.

“Luqobo joined our training centre during the off-season and quickly became a valued member of the Red and Blue family. His commitment, kindness, and personal qualities deeply impressed everyone at the club,” Skinstad said.

“Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family, loved ones, teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”