Thabo Cele: Released Kaizer Chiefs star unveiled by African giants

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Thabo Cele: Released Kaizer Chiefs star unveiled by African giants
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Reigning CAF Champions League holders Mamelodi Sundowns have officially announced the signing of midfielder Thabo Cele, who joins the club as a free agent following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs.

Sundowns confirmed the acquisition on Thursday, moving swiftly to secure the highly-rated midfield anchor. Cele has signed a two-year contract with the Chloorkop-based side, which includes an option for a further extension.

Thabo Cele has been unveiled by Mamelodi Sundowns.
Thabo Cele has been unveiled by Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Cele’s exit from Kaizer Chiefs came as a surprise to many in the South African football community, reportedly stemming from a fallout with the club’s hierarchy.

Cele’s arrival reinforces Sundowns’ midfield  

The 29-year-old had been isolated from the first team, training alone for several weeks after new head coach Fernando Da Cruz made it clear the player was not in his plans. This led to Cele being excluded from the club’s pre-season tour and ultimately resulted in a mutual contract termination.

Thabo Cele at Kaizer Chiefs
Thabo Cele at Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

The signing is a strategic one for Sundowns, who are looking to reinforce their midfield. The club is still dealing with the tragic passing of Bafana Bafana star Jayden Adams in July and is also preparing for the potential departure of Chilean playmaker Marcelo Allende at the end of the season.

Further, Sundowns have released Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reisinho, which made them light in the middle of the pack, necessitating reinforcements.

Why ex-Chiefs star will not be playing soon?

However, Sundowns supporters will need to be patient before seeing their new signing in action.

Thabo Cele at Kaizer Chiefs
Thabo Cele at Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Having missed a crucial pre-season conditioning period due to his contract dispute at Chiefs, Cele is currently lacking match fitness and is not expected to feature in the starting lineup in the immediate future.

Cele joined Chiefs in January 2025 and became a key player before failing out of favour in the second half of last season. He left Chiefs after making 36 appearances across all competitions.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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