The honour came at Monday’s PSL Awards ceremony, recognising a player whose sudden passing left South African football in mourning. Adams was 25, and his death came just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Chairman’s Award is traditionally presented to recognise an outstanding contribution to South African football, often awarded to a club for representing the league with distinction on the continental or global stage.
This year, the award was instead used as a special posthumous tribute, honouring Adams’ career and his role in South Africa’s historic World Cup campaign.
ALSO: Mofokeng claims hat-trick of awards on big night for Pirates
The Cape Town born midfielder featured in all three of South Africa’s group stage matches at the tournament, helping the national team reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in its history.
#PSLAwards26: The PSL Chairman’s Award is posthumously awarded to the late Jayden Adams.
May his soul repose peacefully 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/6NvfFqwjr2
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) July 27, 2026
He joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC in January 2025, and went on to win both the league title and the CAF Champions League with the club, dedicating his continental winners’ medal to former Stellenbosch teammate Oshwin Andries.
ALSO: Pirates clean up at PSL awards
Tributes poured in from across the football world following his death, including from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who described Adams as a player who would be “sorely missed.”
The South African Football Players Union called his passing “an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”
The Chairman’s Award stands as a lasting recognition of a career defined by rapid progress, resilience, and a proud connection to his community back home.
Photo: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
