Tributes continue to pour in for two of South Africa’s bright young sports stars – Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams (25) and former South African Rugby Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini (20). Both proudly represented the country internationally in football and rugby, respectively, before their untimely passings – a day apart.

Makwedini reportedly collapsed during a training session at Stade de la Gayonne in France on Friday while the next day Adams was found dead at a property in Schotsche Kloof in Cape Town. The SAPS in Cape Town has opened an inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding the footballer’s death. The pair’s talent spurred them to make news headlines, and the news of their deaths came as a double-edged sword.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie have conveyed condolences to the two affected families on behalf of government.

Adams played an integral role in SA’s historic run in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He helped Bafana Bafana make history by qualifying for the knockout stages for the very first time, having featured in all three of SA’s group matches.

Born in Komga in the Eastern Cape, Makwedini’s talent earned him a scholarship to Wynberg Boys High School in Cape Town, where his performances in the front row earned him national recognition at Under-18 level. He went on to sign a three-year contract with AS Béziers Hérault and was on the cusp of realising his dream of professional senior rugby ahead of the club’s 2026/27 Pro D2 campaign.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Luqobo’s family, particularly at this time of grief, as well as his friends, teammates, Wynberg Boys High School, the entire AS Béziers Hérault family and the South African rugby community,” said McKenzie.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents. I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, the South African Football Association, and the entire football fraternity,” he added.

Ramaphosa said: “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 FIFA World Cup tournament, the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria.”

In a post on social media platform X, Bafana Bafana said that in Adams, SA football mourns the loss of a talented player whose passion, dedication, and love for the beautiful game inspired many. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, teammates, and everyone affected by this devastating loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. You will never be forgotten, Jayden.”

Also read: South African World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

Tragic loss as young SA rugby star Luqobo Makwedini dies in France