Mamelodi Sundowns dedicate Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup win to Jayden Adams and GBV victims

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso dedicated the club’s Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup victory to late midfielder Jayden Adams and the families of nine women who recently died in reported cases of gender-based violence.

The African champions beat Al Ahli 2-1 in the tournament’s second round, with Nuno Santos scoring both goals and being named Player of the Match.

The result continues Sundowns’ pursuit of success on the global stage after their CAF Champions League triumph. Cardoso said the victory also carried significance beyond football, given the club’s responsibility to the people it represents.

Speaking at his post-match news conference inside Loftus Versfeld, Cardoso paid an emotional tribute to Adams, who died recently.

“I think it’s a fantastic moment to honour Jayden Adams and dedicate this medal to his soul,” Cardoso said as he took the medal from around his neck and held it in his hand.

“He is always with us. I have to confess that I struggled a lot with his death. We promised ourselves that the best thing we can do is fight together and honour him on our journey. Today was an important step in that direction.”

Cardoso also used the occasion to offer his support to the relatives of women whose deaths have caused widespread concern.

The tribute followed the discovery in recent days of the bodies of several women in Ekurhuleni, where fears have grown that a killer may be operating in the area.

“Yesterday, I also spoke about the families of all the women who left us,” Cardoso said. “I want to send strength and energy to their loved ones.”

The victory over Al Ahli gives Sundowns another step towards their stated ambition of establishing themselves on the international stage, following their success as African champions.