Steve Barker has reflected on Jayden Adams’ CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign after Bafana Bafana earned a bronze medal at the continental showpiece in Ivory Coast.

Jayden Adams will return to Stellenbosch on Wednesday when Bafana Bafana arrive back in South Africa following their 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign, in which the national team defeated DR Congo in the third-place play-off to win the bronze medal.

The 22-year-old featured twice for South Africa at the competition, during the 4-0 group stage win over Namibia and the quarter-final victory over Cape Verde, to help the nation record their best finish at the tournament since the year 2000.

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“I think playing in the Africa Cup of Nations will have been a massively important experience for Jayden as an individual,” Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker said ahead of the midfielder’s return

“Having the opportunity to rub shoulders with players who play in the top European leagues will have been invaluable, and being part of the team that went on to win the bronze medal must have been really special for him.

“His presence at the competition was special for the club as well as we want to contribute to the success of South African football and supply players across all age groups with the national teams.

“So, to have a player representing Stellenbosch at the AFCON was massive for us and, of course, him being a local player from Stellenbosch makes it all the more special.

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“He gave a good account of himself when called upon and we would like to commend him, and congratulate the entire Bafana Bafana squad and technical team on their achievements in Ivory Coast.”

Adams has made five appearances in total for Bafana Bafana including three at the 2022 COSAFA Cup and two at this year’s AFCON, and also featured in an unofficial friendly with the national team against Lesotho earlier this year.