'Lazy' Jayden Adams opens up about Bafana Bafana omission & Mamelodi Sundowns experience - 'Coach Hugo Broos punished me and I did my punishment'

Jayden Adams came through the ranks at Stellenbosch and became one of the stars for coach Steve Barker.

He played a crucial role as his team won their maiden major trophy - 2023 Carling Knockout, as well as qualifying for the Caf Confederation Cup.

Adams attracted Mamelodi Sundowns in the January transfer window, where he has settled instantly.

Prior to joining Sundowns, Adams had been omitted from the Bafana Bafana squad that took part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers owing to disciplinary breach.

He has since bounced back well, scoring crucial goals for both the Brazilians and Bafana Bafana.

Adams has explained how Broos' snub helped him to shape up and deliver for his respective teams.

"It's like I was not out for a while. They welcomed me like I was not out for a while. The coach did punish me. I did my punishment. When I got back, I think my performance didn't give him a decision to put me out of the team," the South Africa international opened up on Thursday.

"It was an eye-opener for me to do better and to fix my attitude. I did that and now I am back. Thank God for that."

The midfielder has further explained his style of play and life at Masandawana

"For me, I am a ball player. It wasn't easy to fit into the team. In this team, we like to have the ball and we press.

"Sometimes they say I am lazy, but I know where to be in the spaces. The team has helped me a lot, especially the coach. He has made me a different player," Adams concluded.

At 23, it is obvious Adams still has a lot to offer Mzansi football and can reach even greater heights internationally.

However, his main job right now is to help Masandawana defend the Premier Soccer League crown and win the Caf Champions League.

Then be part of Broos team that will play in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.