Thabo Cele is poised to leave Kaizer Chiefs after new head coach Fernando da Cruz made it clear the midfielder does not feature in his plans for the coming season.
Chiefs are close to finalising an agreement to terminate Cele’s contract, which had been due to run for a further two years. The 29-year-old is currently training away from the senior squad while the club and player negotiate his exit.
Da Cruz, who was recently appointed as Amakhosi’s new coach, has already stated publicly that Cele will not be part of his squad for the upcoming campaign, effectively sealing the midfielder’s fate at Naturena.
Midfielder training alone as exit nears
Cele has been excluded from Da Cruz’s main training sessions and is working on his own as both parties attempt to reach a resolution. The options on the table include a mutual termination of his contract or a transfer away from the Soweto side.
What is clear, though, is that Cele’s time at Chiefs is drawing to a close. Several Premier Soccer League clubs are already monitoring his situation, with AmaZulu FC among those interested in securing his services.
Cele joined Chiefs on a free transfer after a spell in Europe and arrived with high expectations, quickly settling into the squad and initially looking a strong fit in the holding midfield role.
Limited game time and no goal return
Despite that promising start, last season turned into a frustrating campaign for Cele. Under the previous co-coaches he was used sparingly, finding himself on the fringes of the first team rather than a regular starter.
He made just 17 appearances in all competitions last term, including 15 league outings, and did not score. Since signing for Chiefs in January 2025, Cele has featured 36 times in total for Amakhosi, leaving the club without a single goal or assist to his name.
The lack of consistent minutes and end product, combined with the arrival of a new head coach with different ideas, has contributed to the decision to move him on ahead of the new season.
Chiefs move for Tanzanian midfielder
With Cele expected to depart, Chiefs have already moved to reinforce their midfield options. The club have brought in Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, who has started to integrate into the squad during pre-season.
Amakhosi supporters were given their first proper look at Mtasingwa when the Soweto giants played Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup, their final warm-up fixture before the new campaign.
Cele’s imminent exit and the arrival of Mtasingwa underline the shift taking place in Chiefs’ midfield under Da Cruz, as the club reshapes its squad in an effort to improve on last season’s struggles.
