President Cyril Ramaphosa has shared his condolences to the families of Jayden Adams and Luqobo Makwedini, who passed away.
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF JAYDEN ADAMAS AND LUQOBO MAKWEDINI
President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the families of Jayden Adams and Luqobo Makwedini, who passed away at the ages of 25 and 20, respectively.
“It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the FIFA World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today,” Ramaphosa said.
“We are grateful for the joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given us and their teams as they lived their dreams and held South Africa’s name high on the scoreboards of global sport. May their souls rest in peace,” he continued.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE YOUNG SPORT STARS?
Jayden Adams, who plays for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, passed away on Saturday morning, 11 July. He died just after returning from the FIFA World Cup.
Details surrounding his death has not yet been made public.
Speaking on behalf of the Adams family, mentor Brendine Johnson described the devastating impact of the midfielder’s passing.
“At this moment, things are still raw. The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now; they wouldn’t be able to answer anyone,” Johnson said.
“This passing has ripped everybody apart. Returning from the World Cup just now, and then getting such news… I had a close conversation with him on Thursday. The guy was really positive about returning after the World Cup and going forward.”
Johnson said Jayden Adams had been excited about the future following a successful season.
“Being a CAF champion, knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared. He doesn’t waste time away, being at home with his family.”
Meanwhile, Makwedini died in France following a practice session with his French club, AS Béziers Hérault.