Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star convinced Jayden Adams 'is no longer himself because Mamelodi Sundowns is heavy for him' as former Stellenbosch FC star struggles to make an impact

Jayden Adams joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 from Stellenbosch FC amid high expectations on him.

But he has struggled to make an impact for the Brazilians this season, with just a goal and no assists in 12 appearances across all competitions. 

Former Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes Adams is not material to meet the demands of the Brazilians. 

“I’m not surprised because there are players for certain teams,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
“These three big teams, Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns – it’s not easy to play for them. People can believe that or not but we have seen players go there like Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, there are many I’m just making an example with him.  
“One may argue that the tactics don’t suit him [Adams], but that jersey is heavy when you don it there are expectations. Each and every jersey number has history behind it so that alone puts pressure on you as a player," added the former Amakhosi winger.  
“The boy is no longer himself because Sundowns is heavy for him, imagine benching [Sphelele] Mkhulise who to be honest, has not done anything to be benched.  
“If they are being honest, he [Adams] is not giving Sundowns anything. He is struggling to live up to expectations; it would be better if they loaned him back to Stellenbosch to be closer to home. That environment would get the best out of him.”

Adams' struggles saw him miss Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in September.

He has now been included in the preliminary squad for the upcoming games against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, but there is no guarantee he will make it into the final selection. 

This is a player who was at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals with South Africa amid expectations that he would be a key national team player in future.

With Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso seemingly still trusting Adams despite the midfielder struggling for form, that presents the player with a chance to rejuvenate himself.

Improving his game could see Adams return to the player who made his name in South African football.