Broos had earlier suggested he would not stay on as coach but might be open to another role with the South African Football Association (SAFA).
But speaking to eNCA at Adams’ funeral, he said he had told the player they would see each other in September, which marks the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“This is a very sad day for all of us,” Broos said. “Two weeks ago, I said goodbye to Jayden and said, ‘See you in September’. But now I will never see him again, so it’s a waste. It is unreal, it is not fair, such a young guy.
“He was talented, with a bright future in front of him. And now he is no longer among us. He helped us to achieve that historic result for South African football at the World Cup. There are no words to express how sad I am today.”
SAFA president Danny Jordaan said this week that South Africans need to be patient with the process of appointing a new national coach, with the governing body having spoken to several coaches about replacing Broos.
Jordaan cannot publicly pronounce on the future of the Belgian, as the ultimate decision over whether he stays or is replaced lies with the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC).
Jordaan would likely have the influence to steer the conversation one way or another, but it is not his place at this stage to make such announcements, even as he leads the organisation.
SAFA officials and representatives of Adams’ club, Mamelodi Sundowns, were on hand at the funeral on Saturday, including Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, whose family owns the Pretoria-based club.
Adams passed away on July 11, just days after playing for South Africa at the 2026 World Cup. No cause of death has yet been revealed.
Motsepe’s son, Tlhopie, is the current chairman of Sundowns and gave an emotional address at the funeral.
“Jayden was more than just a player,” Tlhopie Motsepe said. “At just 25 years old, many people will understandably speak about what he could have become, the trophies he could have lifted, how far his career could have gone, and how many more children and people he could have inspired.
“But today, let us not dwell on what could have or would have been. Today, let us celebrate the magic of Jayden’s life because, while we do not know what Jayden could have achieved, we know exactly who Jayden Adams was.
“He was a proud Bafana Bafana international, a champion of Africa, a World Cup competitor, a son of Stellenbosch soil, and a representative of their development in youth football. He was a beloved member of the Mamelodi Sundowns family.
“But above all these achievements, he was a son, brother and father. And I believe those were the titles Jayden cherished the most. To Mr and Mrs Adams, we would like to thank you for raising a son whose humility and ability touched millions of people. And for that, we will forever be grateful to you.”
