The partner of late Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star Jayden Adams has opened up about the difficulties she says she and their young daughter have faced following his death.
Aqueelah Adendorf shared an emotional message about her five-year-old daughter, Allaia-Jayda, on social media, suggesting that the family has been dealing with challenges in the months since the footballer’s passing.
Adams died in July, shortly after returning from the FIFA World Cup, where South Africa competed in the United States and Mexico. His death left behind two children — a daughter with Aqueelah and a young son with another woman.
Aqueelah speaks about protecting their daughter
In a TikTok post featuring pictures of her daughter, Aqueelah reflected on the close relationship Adams had with his little girl.
She said her daughter was “the apple of her daddy’s eye” and expressed her pain over circumstances she believes Adams would have protected his daughter from had he still been alive.
Aqueelah also said she would continue to stand by her daughter and make sure she never feels alone.
The post prompted an outpouring of support, with some followers suggesting that Aqueelah had been excluded from certain family occasions. She also appeared to like comments referring to difficulties involving the late footballer’s family.
However, neither Aqueelah nor the Adams family has publicly provided a detailed account of the alleged tensions.
Support from fellow football family
Aqueelah also received public support from Imaan Rayners, the wife of Bafana Bafana and Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners.
Responding to the post, Imaan offered words of reassurance, telling Aqueelah that she would be there for her and expressing her love and support.
The message came as Aqueelah continues to navigate life as a single mother following Adams’ death.
Jayden Adams’ family unveils his tombstone
Last month, Adams’ family gathered at Jamestown Cemetery in Stellenbosch for the unveiling of his tombstone.
His parents and other loved ones attended the ceremony wearing Mamelodi Sundowns shirts bearing his surname on the back.
The footballer’s tombstone features an image of Adams celebrating with the CAF Champions League trophy while wearing his Sundowns kit.
Aqueelah was pictured consoling their daughter during the emotional occasion.
Reflecting on their new reality, she said she never imagined having to raise their daughter without her father but promised to provide the love, strength and protection she needs.
Adams’ other child’s mother also shared images from the tombstone unveiling.
As the family continues to mourn, Aqueelah’s latest comments have brought renewed attention to the challenges facing those closest to the late footballer in the aftermath of his death.
