‘Sundowns will teach Chiefs how to play Cele!’ Mixed reactions after Thabo’s move

Mamelodi Sundowns recently completed the deal for former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele.

The 29-year-old was released by the Soweto giants after Fernando Da Cruz made it clear that he is surplus to requirements. The midfielder had joined Amakosi in January 2025 as the then coach Nasreddine Nabi desperately tried to strengthen his midfield.

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐎 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 💛

The Yellow Nation has a new face! Join us in welcoming Thabo Cele as the latest addition to Bafana Ba Style 🔥#Sundowns #WelcomeThabo pic.twitter.com/TbAXF17rHI

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 10, 2026

Injuries and stiff competition have worked against the Bafana Bafana international, explaining why Da Cruz felt Cele would be a liability.

Mamelodi Sundowns are going to teach Kaizer Chiefs how to play Thabo Cele –  Kay Molapo 

The problem wasn’t Cele

A section of the club’s supporters are convinced Miguel Cardoso will bring the best out of Cele. Have a look at their arguments as sampled by Afrik-Foot.

Mamelodi Sundowns are the only team that keep a back seat when the window is open, but when it approaches closing, they display their personality as the Powerhouse in Africa –  Giro Ma Giro Mampa

You’ll see clearly that the problem was not Thabo Cele but the club, Kaizer Chiefs – Amokelane Sogana Laboze Marindi

We sign foreign players, they complain; we sign local African players, they also complain, because they can never be Mamelodi Sundowns – Talifhani Raedani Teefoxx 

Look at Thabo Cele becoming Rodri at Mamelodi Sundowns.  Fernando Da Cruz we want that league or else – Retshepaone Maisa Mosiane

Pain landed safely in my heart

Some supporters believe it wasn’t a good move for Masandawana, and it was a desperate signing. But others have questioned why Sundowns are reluctant to sell players to Amakhosi when an offer is tabled.

We need to be honest and objective about Cele’s move. Considering the remarkable depth and quality Mamelodi Sundowns already possess in midfield, the critical question is: who exactly is he expected to replace? Is this a strategic acquisition that strengthens the squad, or will he simply add to an already highly competitive midfield department? – Thoriso Pule

There are hits and misses, and I reckon this is the latter. The Sports Director wanted South American flavor; it got complicated, and the pivot was the South African market, and Cardoso probably said I want experience hence we are here. I’m not convinced; the jury is out – Ngcali Clock 

You guys sign Chiefs players, but you’ll never sell to Kaizer Chiefs. I know his a free agent, but still – Ndiyathemba Modibedi Ka Tyombo

Pain landed safely in my heart; I don’t want to lie. Chiefs break our hearts on and off the pitch – Kgomotso Comfort Maila 

I don’t think he will play until they announce his parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns FC – Musa Mngomezulu