Carelse backs Sundowns’ recovery after Adams loss ahead of MTN8 opener

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse says the club needed the extra time granted by the PSL to mourn Jayden Adams, drawing on the impact of losing Gift Leremi in 2007.

Sundowns’ opening Betway Premiership fixture against Marumo Gallants was postponed after their pre-season preparations were disrupted by the mourning period for Adams, who died shortly after returning from the World Cup with Bafana Bafana.

The club will now begin their 2026/27 campaign with an MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Carelse does not believe Sundowns will necessarily benefit from missing the opening weekend of league action. Although the delay has given the squad additional time to recover emotionally, it has also left them without a competitive match before their cup tie.

“You know the MTN8 is always full of surprises, I wouldn’t say it’s a plus for Sundowns that they didn’t play. I think if you speak to the coaches and the players, I’m sure they would have liked to have a game or two under their belt already,” responded Carelse.

“Because you know, the first game is always a tricky one. Let’s hope there are no surprises.”

The former midfielder, who was born in Westbury, nevertheless praised the PSL for allowing Sundowns to postpone their first fixture. He said the loss of Adams would have affected the squad both professionally and personally, particularly because the player had been expected to play an important role during the new season.

“But the PSL must be commended for that, it’s not easy to lose somebody like Jayden, obviously he was going to be an integral part of this season for Sundowns, so big ups to the PSL for allowing them to postpone their first fixture,” the Westbury-born former midfielder continued.

Carelse reflected on his own experience at Sundowns after the death of Leremi in 2007. He said the close relationships built within a football squad meant that such a loss could not be confined to what happened on the pitch.

“Definitely, it does affect us. If you remember with us in 2007, we lost Gift Leremi and it was a big blow to us as a squad at Sundowns. You know we spent so much time together as teammates, it really affects us, not only on the field but personally as well.

“I’m glad the PSL gave them more time, hopefully the boys are feeling a little bit better but I don’t think the memories they made with Jayden will go away, it’s a tough one, that one,” Carelse added.

Sundowns’ first competitive match of the season will therefore come in the MTN8, where they face Polokwane City for a place in the semi-finals. Carelse believes the tournament can produce unexpected results, but hopes the players can begin the campaign despite the difficult circumstances surrounding Adams’ death.