The future of midfielder Thabo Cele at Naturena hangs by a thread after he was sensationally left out of Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season squad travelling to Spain. The 28-year-old’s absence has all but confirmed growing speculation that his 18-month stint with Amakhosi is nearing an end.
Weighing in on the situation, former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena shared his perspective on why the European returnee struggled to cement his place in the Glamour Boys’ midfield structure.
A Victim of Amakhosi’s Identity Crisis?
Cele arrived at Naturena in January 2025 with high expectations following a long spell in Europe, aiming to anchor the midfield and reclaim his spot in the Bafana Bafana setup. Instead, he found himself sidelined, with Lebohang Maboe frequently preferred in central midfield.
Speaking on SoccerBeat, Mokoena noted that Cele walked into a club that was already unstable.
“What a player, man. His technical ability on its own is impressive. He is a Chiefs kind of player,” Mokoena stated. “Sometimes it’s very difficult to get to a club when the club is trying to find its identity. You’re supposed to walk in and find the house clean, and sometimes that takes time.”
Unrealistic Demands and Sudden Exits
Mokoena believes Cele was unfairly expected to single-handedly transform the team’s fortunes, drawing parallels to another midfielder who recently departed.
- On the pressure placed on Cele: “A lot was expected from him to carry the team. A team like Chiefs does not need an individual who will carry the team.”
- The George Matlou comparison: “Expectations were also high for George Matlou and he left. He didn’t have the impact many expected at Chiefs.”
The Brutal Reality of Big-Club Competition
With the brand-new Betway Premiership season on the horizon, Mokoena warned that at a giant like Kaizer Chiefs, time is a luxury no player is afforded.
“These things happen at big teams. If you don’t take your opportunity, there’s always another player the club is looking at. They sign you today, and tomorrow the scouts are already searching for your replacement before you’ve even touched the ball.”
As Amakhosi prepare for their Spanish pre-season tour without him, all signs point to Thabo Cele negotiating his exit from the club.
