Kaizer Chiefs Part Ways With Thabo Cele as Midfielder Emerges as Sundowns Target.

Cele’s 18-month spell at Naturena comes to an end.

Kaizer Chiefs have parted ways with Thabo Cele after the South African midfielder and the club agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent, bringing an end to an 18-month spell that began with considerable expectations but ultimately failed to develop into a long-term partnership.

The club confirmed the decision on September 7, saying the agreement followed constructive discussions between both parties and would allow Cele to pursue new opportunities while Chiefs continue reshaping their squad for the 2026/27 season.

The departure represents another significant change for Amakhosi under new head coach Fernando da Cruz, who has been making substantial adjustments to his squad since taking charge.

A promising arrival that never fully materialised.

Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs in January 2025 after building international experience in Europe and with the South African national team. His arrival was viewed as an important addition to the club’s midfield as Chiefs sought to strengthen their squad and compete more consistently for major honours.

He made his debut in the Soweto Derby in February 2025 and went on to make 36 appearances across domestic and CAF competitions during his time at the club. He also helped Chiefs win the Nedbank Cup just four months after joining.

However, his position within the team became increasingly uncertain following the arrival of Da Cruz.

The midfielder was left out of much of the club’s preparations for the new campaign, including the pre-season tour of Spain, and subsequently trained separately as discussions about his future continued. SABC Sport reports that Da Cruz had informed Cele that he was not part of his plans for the current campaign.

Chiefs continue a major squad rebuild.

Cele’s departure is part of a broader restructuring at Naturena as Chiefs attempt to build a squad capable of challenging more consistently at the top level of South African football.

The club has already moved on from several established players during the current transition, signalling a willingness to make difficult decisions as Da Cruz establishes his preferred squad.

Chiefs have nevertheless made a positive start to the new Betway Premiership campaign. They recently defeated Siwelele FC 3-2 in Dobsonville, a result that helped the club maintain momentum despite the changes taking place behind the scenes.

The challenge for Da Cruz will now be balancing the demands of immediate results with the longer-term rebuilding process.

Sundowns emerge as a possible destination.

Cele may not remain without a club for long.

Mamelodi Sundowns have emerged as a potential destination for the 29-year-old, with SABC Sport reporting that the African champions have engaged the midfielder over a possible move and that discussions are believed to have reached an advanced stage.

Other reports have gone further, suggesting Cele has undergone a medical examination with Sundowns. However, neither the player nor Sundowns had officially confirmed a transfer at the time of publication.

If completed, the move would add another layer to an already intriguing story. Cele would potentially move directly from one of South Africa’s biggest clubs to another, giving him an opportunity to revive his career under a team competing regularly for domestic and continental honours.

A chance to restart his career.

For Cele, leaving Chiefs could ultimately provide an opportunity to reset his career.

His departure comes after a period in which his role at the club had diminished considerably. Rather than remaining at a club where he was outside the coach’s plans, becoming a free agent gives him greater control over his next move.

The midfielder still possesses significant experience at domestic and international level, and a successful move could allow him to regain regular playing time and potentially strengthen his position within the South African national-team setup.

At 29, Cele remains at an age where several productive seasons could still lie ahead.

Chiefs turn the page.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the immediate focus is on building a squad that fits Da Cruz’s tactical vision. The club has thanked Cele for his commitment during his time at Naturena and wished him well in the next stage of his career.

The decision also illustrates the realities of rebuilding a major football club. Players can arrive with significant expectations and international credentials, but changes in coaching philosophy, tactical requirements and squad planning can quickly alter their positions.

Cele’s departure therefore marks the end of one chapter for both player and club.

The next chapter could begin quickly if the reports linking him with Mamelodi Sundowns prove correct. For now, however, the confirmed position is that Thabo Cele is a free agent after mutually terminating his Kaizer Chiefs contract, while his next destination remains a developing story.