Jayden Adams is in line to make his 100th appearance for Stellenbosch FC on Saturday when the club takes on Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semi-finals.

Stellenbosch-born midfielder Jayden Adams is set to become just the fifth member of Stellenbosch FC’s 100-appearance club when he takes his expected place in the starting XI against Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semi-final.

The 22-year-old will become the youngest player to reach the milestone for the Maroons, by more than three years compared to the existing record holder Deano van Rooyen, and continues his skipper’s legacy of inspiring other homegrown talents.

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“It will be a very special moment for me,” Adams said ahead of the match.

“I’ve been here at the club for a long time so it will be very special for me and my community, and hopefully other young players out there will see that if you work hard, your chance will come.”

Stellenbosch FC 100-appearance club (all competitions)

Jarrod Moroole – 28 years & 28 days
Rafiq de Goede – 28 years, 11 months & 12 days
Deano van Rooyen – 25 years, 10 months & 24 days
Iqraam Rayners – 27 years, 8 months & 27 days
Jayden Adams* – 22 years, 6 months & 28 days

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker was also quick to laud Adams’ ability and highlighted the Bafana Bafana international as a reference point for the club’s continued commitment to developing young footballers.

“We have laid a lot of foundations over the years and I think we are now reaping those rewards,” Barker said.

“Jayden will be winning his 100^th cap for the team on Saturday, and he’s still only 22 years old, so that investment into him as a young player, and the opportunities that he’s been given are both evident.

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“It is also based on his own ability and quality because for him to reach 100 caps before the age of 23 is massive. Some players only make their debuts at 22 or 23 and people call them youngsters, but Jayden is already going for 100 caps since joining the club.

“A lot of groundwork has gone into that and I believe, not just from a team and club perspective, but also for the individual players like Jayden , we will start reaping those rewards more and more.”