Adams backs Mokoena-less Bafana against South Korea: ‘You have to man up’

Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams says the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations snub inspired him to come back stronger and more driven in 2026.

The 25-year-old’s slow start at Sundowns saw him lose his place at Bafana, which he regained just in time for this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Adams insists Bafana can get a win over South Korea on Thursday morning to advance to the next round, even without their suspended talisman, Teboho Mokoena.

For more Bafana Bafana news, please visit the News24 dedicated World Cup hub.

In Pachuca, Mexico

Jayden Adams talks in the same way he plays.

Every word of the Bafana Bafana midfielder is measured, like his well-weighted passes. His tone is calm, like he is on the field where he operates on a different time zone to the rest.

When everyone is huffing and puffing in the centre of the field, Adams glides as his boots are skates and he is on an ice rink.

ADVERTISEMENT

Adams isn’t garrulous, but the few words he uses deliver a punch.

On the field, he isn’t that vocal either. However, he is effective in what he does with limited touches.

This has seen the 25-year-old quickly take over the Themba Zwane playmaking throne in just over a year since joining Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC.

His slow start at Sundowns last year cost Adams a place in the Bafana squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco late last year.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ | How the real Bafana stirred at World Cup: ‘I don’t want to experience pain like that again’

Adams used that omission as fuel to come back stronger to the national team. He opened up about that rejection in true Adams style, without saying a lot but doing enough to drive the point home with as few words as possible.

“To focus on myself, I went home (in Cape Town) during the Afcon break,” Adams said.

“Not making it to the Afcon squad disappointed me a bit. I came back, reflected on where I was and when I returned to playing, I gave it my all.”

Adams also cut his hair during that break, returning with a bold look. Bold Adams has been sensational.

He was Sundowns’ creative livewire in their march to CAF Champions League glory, doing enough to muscle his way back to Bafana and earn a place in the 26-man World Cup squad.

“I am a grootman now,” Adams chirped in March when he was asked about the inspiration behind his bold look.

Adams has brought his grootman energy at Bafana. His versatility in being able to slot in as a holding midfielder, deep-lying playmaker, and playing box-to-box has been an asset for both club and country.

He started both matches against Mexico and Czechia at the expanded global showpiece.

“I was very excited about making my World Cup debut,” said Adams.

“I just wanted to make my family and the nation proud. I think the experience that I am gaining here is very good.”

Adams was sacrificed at the start of the second half against Czechia, with Relebohile Mofokeng replacing him at half-time.

It was a decision that came as a shock, given how well Adams had been doing, but that bold call paid off as Mofokeng injected more attacking impetus into Bafana, who scored late to steal a point.

“I was very surprised (when I was substituted) to be honest, but that’s what the game decided to be, and the coach made a decision to take me out,” said Adams.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The boys did well in the second half. The fight and the energy were there. I think at the end of the day it was a great substitution.”

Adams should start in his third successive match at the global showpiece when Bafana take on South Korea in Monterrey on Thursday (03:00 SA time) in a must-win match.

South Africa have to get three points to secure a place in the next round, while a draw would be enough for the Asians.

ALSO READ | Rele Mofokeng: The playmaker from Sharpeville makes his bow on football’s grand stage

Bafana will try to get that win without Teboho Mokoena, who is suspended for the match. Adams knows Mokoena’s influence better than most, as the duo also plays together in midfield at Sundowns.

“It’s going to be very tough for us without him,” said Adams.

“But, you know, at this stage, you need to man up. Thalente (Mbatha) and I have to step up and do the job for him, because he did it for us against Czechia (with his goal that made it 1-1).”

Adams added: “I am very, very confident that we can get a win against South Korea. The spirit in the team, especially after the draw with Czechia, is very high.

“We are very confident. The boys are ready. The boys are focused.”

Click here to read article