Jayden Adams’ rebirth: Will Mamelodi Sundowns star earn Bafana recall?

COMMENT

It was a perfect day to rekindle a love affair that had gone sour.

On Valentine’s Day at Loftus Versfeld, Jayden Adams tugged at Hugo Broos’ heartstrings with a solid performance as Mamelodi Sundowns beat MC Alger 2-0 to book their spot in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

On the sidelines for so long, Adams was said to have been considering a loan move just to get game time and fight for his place in the national team. Instead, he decided to fight for his spot at Chloorkop and is now enjoying a rebirth that could well see him back in the Bafana Bafana fold in time for the FIFA World Cup.

A favourite of Broos despite once irking the silver-haired Belgian by missing a flight to camp, the Capetonian looked to have lost his way late last season. So much so, Broos questioned his decision to trade Stellenbosch FC — where he was a key player — for the star-studded Sundowns, where a spot in the starting line-up is never guaranteed. The septuagenarian even insinuated the move was motivated more by finances than football.

At the turn of the year, however, Adams returned a new man — sporting a cheesekop (bald head) and playing like a man on a mission. He has looked the proverbial opposite of the biblical Samson; Adams’ loss of hair has seemingly given him powers, whereas it was the other way around for the ancient judge.

That Sundowns are into the business end of the continent’s premier club knockout competition is partly thanks to the Capetonian. His equaliser away to FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the penultimate group match ensured the Brazilians had a fighting chance.

They fought indeed, with Adams — playing his 50th game for the Brazilians — delivering a commanding performance that saw him boss the midfield against an emotionally charged MC Alger to help Sundowns to victory.

Broos was at the stadium and would no doubt have been pleased to see one of his star players back to his best. As he looks to finalise his squad for the global showpiece, the Belgian coach will lead Bafana Bafana in a two-match international friendly series against Panama. He will be announcing his squad soon, and it is almost certain he will include Adams, who would have been hurt by missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations finals despite helping the team qualify.

His inclusion would not be based solely on his showing against MC Alger, but rather his consistency in the handful of matches he has played since his return.

When Sundowns beat their Motsepe Foundation Championship opponents in the first round of the Nedbank Cup, Adams provided the assist for Thapelo Morena’s goal. He produced another solid shift in Polokwane when the Brazilians overcame a stubborn Sekhukhune United with two late goals.

Then, of course, came that vital goal against Lupopo.

The reborn Adams is looking like the natural successor to the talismanic Themba Zwane, whose contract at Sundowns is due to expire. The true test of whether Adams is truly back to his best will come on Wednesday at the Orlando Stadium, where Sundowns seek to close the gap on leaders Orlando Pirates.

Broos will definitely attend the match, which serves as the final audition for spots in the upcoming fixtures against Panama.