Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed the departure of midfielder Thabo Cele, bringing an end to his 18-month spell with the Soweto giants.
The club announced that Cele has left after both parties reached a mutual termination agreement following what Chiefs described as constructive discussions.
The decision means the experienced midfielder is now free to consider his next move after a spell that began with plenty of promise but gradually saw his role reduced.
Thabo Cele Leaves Kaizer Chiefs
Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs in January 2025, arriving from Russian Premier League side Fakel Voronezh on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
The KwaMashu-born midfielder had spent almost a decade playing in Europe before returning home and quickly found himself in the spotlight at Amakhosi.
His Chiefs debut came in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates in February 2025, giving him an immediate introduction to one of South African football’s biggest occasions.
Cele subsequently became an important option in the Chiefs midfield and produced one of his standout performances in the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Chiefs progressed to the final, and Cele went on to celebrate silverware only a few months after joining the club.
His Chiefs Role Changed
Despite the strong start, Cele’s influence diminished during the 2025/26 season.
Changes to the team’s tactical approach, together with increased competition for places in midfield, reduced his opportunities. He eventually finished the campaign with 21 appearances across all competitions.
The situation became clearer ahead of the new season when new head coach Fernando da Cruz left Cele out of the squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Spain.
He was subsequently omitted from Chiefs’ first-team plans, eventually leading to discussions over his future.
Chiefs have now confirmed that the two parties agreed to bring his contract to an end.
“We thank ‘Induna Yendawo’ for his commitment during his time at Kaizer Chiefs,” the club said, while also wishing him well in his future career.
Cele’s European Football Journey
Long before returning to the PSL, Cele established himself as a well-travelled South African midfielder in Europe.
His professional journey began in Portugal in 2016, when he moved from the KZN Academy to third-tier club Real S.C.
His performances earned him an opportunity with Benfica in 2017, where he featured within the club’s development structures before returning to Real S.C. on loan.
Cele continued his development in Portugal with Cova da Piedade, where he became a regular in midfield and accumulated more than 100 appearances over three seasons.
In 2021, he moved to Poland to join Radomiak Radom, giving him another opportunity to compete at a higher level.
His performances eventually earned him a move to Russia, where he joined Fakel Voronezh in August 2023 before making his return to South African football with Kaizer Chiefs.
What’s Next for Thabo Cele?
With his Chiefs contract now terminated by mutual agreement, Cele can turn his attention towards finding his next club.
At 29, the midfielder brings considerable experience from both South African and European football, having played across Portugal, Poland and Russia before returning to the PSL.
His next destination will now be closely watched as Cele looks to revive his career following an increasingly limited role at Kaizer Chiefs.
