Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has opened up on Jayden Adams’ situation at Bafana Bafana after the highly-rated midfielder missed the previous national team camp.
Adams made headlines a few weeks ago after he was left out of the Bafana squad for allegedly failing to report for camp on time. This forced Bafana coach Hugo Broos to drop him, and he was replaced by Chippa United midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
South Africa played back-to-back 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville. They won the home fixture 5-0 before drawing 1-1 in the return match in Congo.
Meanwhile, Adams has been a notable inclusion in the Bafana team for the past several months, including forming part of the squad that won the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Adams was one of the outstanding performers after playing 35 games across all competitions for Stellies. He scored three goals and provided eight assists. Due to his form, He was linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The holding midfielder also played a crucial role in Stellenbosch’s victory in the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup last season, when they beat TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties.
WHAT DID BARKER SAY ABOUT JAYDEN ADAMS SITUATION IN THE NATIONAL TEAM?
Having proven to be one the best players in the PSL, Steve Barker is optimistic that Adams will bounce back and return to the Bafana Bafana squad.
“I think Jayden is a very talented footballer; you know, at the end of the transfer window, there were a lot of talks of moves, and it didn’t happen. And obviously, not getting a selection for Bafana, it’s not an easy period for him,” Barker said.
“But you know he is a quality footballer, and he just needs to get back and enjoy playing, doing what he’s capable of doing. I thought he came in [the Carling Knockout Cup win against AmaZulu FC] and calm the game for us, you know he was good on the ball.
“Sometimes you just have to be there for players in difficult moments. Jayden will be key for us, and I’m sure he will bounce back and fight for his position in the Bafana team.”
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