Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly won the race for Thabo Cele, with the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder understood to have completed his move to the reigning South African champions.
According to FARPost, Sundowns moved quickly after Cele and Kaizer Chiefs agreed to part ways, with negotiations progressing rapidly before the midfielder completed his medical.
Cele has reportedly signed his contract and is now expected to be officially unveiled by the Brazilians.
The move represents a swift turnaround for the 29-year-old, who only recently ended his time at Naturena.
From Europe to Naturena
Cele’s career has taken him across several European leagues.
Born in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, on 15 January 1997, he started his development at the KZN Academy before moving to Europe in 2016.
He initially joined Portuguese third-tier club Real SC, where his performances earned him a move to Portuguese giants Benfica in 2017.
Cele developed with Benfica B before returning to Real SC on loan to gain valuable first-team experience.
He later joined Cova da Piedade in Portugal’s second tier, making more than 100 professional appearances during his time in the country.
His European adventure continued in 2021 when he signed for Polish top-flight side Radomiak Radom.
In 2023, Cele moved to Russia to join Fakel Voronezh. He remained with the club for around 18 months before leaving by mutual agreement in January 2025.
Kaizer Chiefs chapter ends
Cele returned to South Africa in January 2025, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract with Kaizer Chiefs.
During his time at Naturena, the midfielder made 36 appearances across domestic competitions and was part of the Chiefs team that lifted the Nedbank Cup, defeating arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final.
However, his situation changed following the arrival of head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Cele was reportedly no longer part of the coach’s plans and subsequently trained away from the first team before reaching an agreement with Chiefs to terminate his contract.
That opened the door for a new challenge.
Sundowns move adds experience
Sundowns have now reportedly secured Cele’s services, adding another experienced midfielder to an already star-studded squad.
For the Brazilians, the signing provides further depth and a player with extensive experience both domestically and abroad.
For Cele, the move marks another major chapter in a career that has taken him from KwaMashu to Portugal, Poland and Russia before bringing him back to the PSL.
Now, his next destination is Chloorkop.
From Naturena to Sundowns — Thabo Cele’s next chapter could be one of the most intriguing PSL moves of the season.
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