Following the news that Bafana Bafana star Jayden Adams died suddenly at the age of 25, concerns have been raised about the support South African sports stars receive at the highest level.
Information obtained by IOL indicates that Adams died by suicide. Police have opened an inquest docket into the circumstances surrounding his death.
If this is confirmed, it should serve as a warning that the pressures faced by elite sportspeople can have tragic consequences when they are left undiagnosed.
Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but one would hope that if a top sports star is struggling with their mental health, it can be recognised in time and appropriate professional support provided.
The Hidden Mental-Health Impact of Sports: Beyond Motivational Talks
It is not enough to have a motivational talk with a coach. A coach is not a medical professional, and while their advice may help improve performance on the field, the unseen mental-health effects can be profound.
I was among the first to report that Adams played for Bafana against Czechia on June 18, shortly after learning of his grandmother’s death.
It is likely that Adams did not tell anyone in the Bafana squad about the grief he was dealing with, as the news only filtered through after the match.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said of Adams: “That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.”
The Importance of Mental Health Support for Sports Stars
While McKenzie’s words were well-meaning, they also reflect how sports stars are often celebrated for pushing through adversity.
For me, that is wrong. Sometimes it is better to take time out, speak to a qualified professional where possible, and forget about sport for a moment.
The pressure of playing in a Fifa World Cup must be incredible. While our sports stars are supremely talented, they are still subject to normal human emotions and anxieties.
All we see of sports stars is what they do on the field: driving fancy cars and living the good life. But all the money and success in the world do not guarantee a healthy mind, and I truly hope these individuals are receiving the support they need.
The death of Adams, less than a month after playing in the Fifa World Cup, is a real tragedy. As South Africans, we can only hope that something like this never happens again.
