Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele admits playing for the club is a chance he could not miss out on when the opportunity presented itself.
Cele joined Chiefs in the January transfer window from Russian club FC Fakel Voronezh, having spent all his senior career in lower league sides in Europe.
The midfielder also had stints in Portugal and Poland but never made the grade as his stints were in second division teams but when he had a chance to join Chiefs, he did not think twice as it was the club he supported as a child.
Cele admits to failed stints in Europe
“I think if you look at it, every footballer wants to play at the highest level,” Cele told iDiski Times.
“And for me, the dream was to go to the top leagues in Europe, but that did not happen. Of course, I was blessed to make it to Europe, and it has been a pretty fulfilling career out there.
“Looking back at my time in Europe, I would not say I am fulfilled or fully happy. I am proud of myself, though, but we went there and tried to reach the highest levels and could not. But we remain proud,” he added of his stint in Europe.
The midfielder terminated his contract at FC Fakel Voronezh by mutual consent in January to return home and was unveiled at Chiefs soon after. It is a decision he does not regret despite the Glamour Boys’ current struggles.
Can midfielder lead Chiefs to success?
“I did well on that side, but when the opportunity to come back home and the club was Chiefs – my childhood favourite club – I was not going to let it go. I am living my dream playing for Chiefs and I’d like to achieve big things with the club,” said Cele.
The 28-year-old has made 14 appearances, 11 in the league, for Chiefs since his midseason signing although injuries have also hampered him.
He, however, has an opportunity to win his first trophy with Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final when Amakhosi take on bitter rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
