Cardoso: Sundowns will dedicate entire season to late midfielder Jayden Adams

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says the club will dedicate their entire campaign to the memory of midfielder Jayden Adams, as the Betway Premiership champions prepare to start the new season while still in mourning.

Sundowns’ opening league fixture against Marumo Gallants has been postponed following Adams’ death and his funeral last Saturday, with the club granted permission by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to delay their first match of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

In a recorded message played at the official Betway Premiership launch, Cardoso thanked the league and their scheduled opponents for agreeing to the postponement and underlined the players’ determination to honour Adams in every competition they enter this year.

“Football is back, the show is about to begin. We as Mamelodi Sundowns are happy to participate in this championship again. It’s our job, our obligation, our demand to take the game to the highest level we can – we promise you that,” Cardoso said.

“We would like to thank the PSL and Marumo Gallants for allowing us to delay our first match. Unfortunately, the reasons are not the best ones,” he added.

Season to be played in Adams’ memory Cardoso, who took time in his address to reflect on the loss felt within the squad and club, said Sundowns would seek to channel their grief into performances across all fronts.

“We also want everybody to remember the memory of Jayden Adams and how we are mourning him, but at the same time, how we are living from the love that he brought to all of us.

“It’s also our obligation to honour him throughout all the tournaments. We are pretty happy about the game being almost there,” he said, signalling a desire to move forward competitively while keeping Adams at the centre of their motivation.

The Portuguese coach did not go into further detail about the internal tributes planned, but emphasised that Adams’ influence and character would continue to inspire the dressing room during the campaign.

Cardoso’s message to rivals Cardoso also used his appearance at the launch to send a message of goodwill to rival clubs ahead of the new season.

“We wish you all the best in the weekend for all the games. Let’s hope we have fantastic football and that you all enjoy the football all season,” he concluded.

Sundowns, who recently suffered a pre-season defeat to Saudi opposition, will now begin their competitive programme in cup action rather than the league.

MTN8 opener now first test With their Betway Premiership opener on hold, Sundowns’ first official match of 2026/27 will be an MTN8 quarter-final tie at home to Polokwane City on 8 August.

The fixture will offer Cardoso and his players an early opportunity to set the tone for a season they have pledged to play in tribute to Adams, while also attempting to maintain their status as one of the dominant forces in South African football.