‘It has been a blessing’ – Cele opens up after Kaizer Chiefs snub

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thabo Cele is counting his blessings after move from Kaizer Chiefs.

When he took over the reigns at Amakhosi, coach Fernando Da Cruz made it clear that the 29-year-old wasn’t part of his plans. Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko came in as his replacement.

The Tanzania international was among the new players for the Soweto giants alongside Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch), Renaldo Leaner, Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch FC), and Faiz Abrahams (Stellenbosch, Loan).

Since his move to the Brazilians, Cele played a role as his team won the FIFA African Asian-Pacific Cup, and most recently the MTN8 where they beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 on Sunday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Cele on move to Sundowns and his achievements

“For me, football is life; it has been a difficult journey, but one I had to overcome. Going through what I went through to be here, it has been the same thing: pushing myself and focusing on what is coming next,” he said as quoted by the Sowetan.

“And being here today, I’m so grateful. For me, it’s always been the same thing: to keep on working hard, focus on myself, and forget the distractions that are outside. So, me being here is massive and also a motivation to go to the next level.

“It’s a blessing … having joined the club recently, winning these two trophies is very special for me and special for us as the new players coming in to also help the club elevate.

“It’s a blessing to be part of this team because it’s a team that’s always … looking for more. And today, we went into the game looking to win the final because it’s been a while since we won this MTN8. So, yeah, it’s a blessing to be part of this team,” Cele concluded.