Mamelodi Sundowns dedicate African-Asian-Pacific triumph to Jayden Adams

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien has dedicated the club’s FIFA African-Asian-Pacific gold medal to his late team-mate Jayden Adams after their 2-1 victory over Al Ahli.

Sundowns defeated the star-studded Saudi Pro League side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium over the weekend to claim the trophy and qualify for the Challenger Cup. They will face Toluca or the champions of CONMEBOL in that competition.

Basadien said the squad had been determined to honour Adams, who died in July this year after a standout 2025/26 campaign with the Brazilians.

The midfielder played a key role as Sundowns won their second CAF Champions League title, securing the route into the Intercontinental Cup. He also impressed with Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, helping them reach the second round of the tournament for the first time.

Speaking to the media after the victory, Basadien described the significance of receiving his medal and paying tribute to his former team-mate.

“I walked up to receive my medal and I went down and sat there and I spoke to Cash [Cassius Mailula] and Iqraam [Rayners],” said Basadien.

“And I told them this one it’s for Jayden because we knew that Jayden is someone who loves to win things, and especially in football.

“And we knew coming into the game already, our coach and the technical staff, and as well as the teammates, we said this one, we’re doing for Jayden.

“So, I’m just happy and grateful that we won and we could honour him in a good way.”

The victory gave Sundowns another international trophy after a season in which Adams had helped them secure continental success before his death.

Basadien said the intention to dedicate the match to Adams had been shared throughout the club before kick-off, involving the coaching staff, technical team and players.

The result against Al Ahli completed Sundowns’ latest title success on home soil and set up their next challenge against either Toluca or the eventual CONMEBOL champions.