President Cyril Ramaphosa Mourns the Passing of Jayen Adams and Young Rugby Star Luqobo Makwedini
- President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the families of Jayden Adams and Luqobo Makwedini, who both died aged 25 and 20
- Adams, a Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, passed away on 11 July shortly after returning from the FIFA World Cup
- South African rugby youngster Makwedini died in France following a training session with his club, AS Béziers Hérault
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families of Jayden Adams and Luqobo Makwedini following the deaths of the two young South African athletes, aged 25 and 20, respectively.
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Adams was part of the South African national squad that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and made history by qualifying from the knockout round of the competition for the first time.
Ramaphosa mourns death of Adams and Makwedini
Ramaphosa noted the particular weight of the losses given the country's current sporting moment. He paid tribute to both South African athlete in an official statement released on social media.
"Tragically, 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," he said.
"We are grateful for the joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given their teams and us as they lived their dreams and held South Africa's name high on the scoreboards of global sport. May their souls rest in peace," Ramaphosa added.
What led to Adams and Makwedini's deaths
Adams, a midfielder who represented both Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, died on Saturday morning, 11 July, shortly after returning from the FIFA World Cup. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been made public.
Brendine Johnson, speaking on behalf of the Adams family, conveyed how deeply the loss had affected those close to him.
"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.
Johnson described Adams as someone who had been looking forward to the future with optimism.
"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."
The mentor added that Adams had been in a positive frame of mind 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."
Luqobo Makwedini died in France after a practice session with his French club, AS Béziers Hérault. Further details surrounding his passing have not yet been confirmed.
Police provide update on Adams' death
Briefly News earlier reported that the Police have provided an update following the death of Adams, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and several football bodies led tributes as the Adams family requested privacy.
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Source: Briefly News
