Seventeen-year-old Ronaldo Adams is set to continue his football journey at Orlando Pirates after making the move from Stellenbosch FC.
The young midfielder joins the Soweto giants following his development at Stellenbosch, where he has been regarded as one of the club’s promising young talents. His move also carries a deeply personal meaning, as Ronaldo is the younger brother of the late Jayden Adams and plays in the same midfield position his brother occupied.
Ronaldo could have opportunities across the Pirates development structure as he settles into his new surroundings, including the Rand Central LFA, ABC Motsepe League and DStv Diski Challenge. His progress will be watched closely as he begins the next stage of his career at one of South Africa’s most successful clubs.
The move comes less than three months after the tragic death of his older brother.
Jayden Adams was 25 when he passed away on 11 July 2026, shortly after representing Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup. He played in all three of South Africa’s group matches as the team reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Jayden began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. During his time at Sundowns, he won the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League, while establishing himself as an important midfielder for club and country.
His death sent shockwaves through South African football, with teammates, coaches and supporters gathering in Stellenbosch to pay tribute to him. He was laid to rest in his hometown on 25 July.
In September, Jayden’s family unveiled a tombstone featuring him in his Mamelodi Sundowns kit, marking another emotional tribute to his life and football career.
Now, Ronaldo begins his own chapter in the game, carrying the Adams name into a new generation of South African football.
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