Sundowns face Adams void as Cardoso hints at move
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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardodo at Jayden Adams memorial service. (Photo: Gallo Images)
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Sundowns face Adams void as Cardoso hints at move
Aug 18, 2026 – 08:58 am
By KO Journalist
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has opened the door to a possible addition to his midfield as the club faces a demanding season following the tragic passing of Jayden Adams.
Adams passed away unexpectedly last month at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC in 2025 and played an important role in the club’s run to the CAF Champions League title last season.
Cardoso has acknowledged the impact of losing Adams, while also pointing to a number of other setbacks currently affecting his squad.
Speaking after Masandawana’s 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, the Portuguese coach outlined some of the challenges facing his team as they continue through a demanding campaign.
“We are just starting, you need also to understand that this team suffered some changes by accident. We lost Keanu (Cupido) by injury, that was a very important asset in our organisation, Cardoso said.
Cardoso then reflected on Adams’ absence and the void it has created in the heart of Sundowns’ midfield.
“We lost our love, Jayden (Adams), and that is a bigger breach, obviously, in the midfield,” he explained.
“Let’s see if we will still be able to bring someone that can also cover a little bit more options in the middle, as we are going to go for a high level of demand in terms of lots of games.
“Nuno (Santos) is not in the best moment, there are some issues, so the team suffered,” he added.
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“I think that it’s also important that people around, instead of thinking that everything is automatic, it’s not automatic.”
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