Midfielder Thabo Cele is on the verge of parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs after newly appointed technical team member Fernando da Cruz confirmed the 29-year-old is not part of the club’s plans for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
Chiefs and Cele are currently negotiating an early termination of his contract, which still has two years remaining. The former European-based midfielder has already been omitted from first-team training sessions and is currently training on his own while a mutual agreement or transfer deal is finalized.
From High-Profile Arrival to Training Solitary
Cele joined Amakhosi on a free transfer in January 2025 following a spell in Europe, initially slotting into the midfield with high expectations. However, his influence waned during a frustrating 2025/26 campaign where he was used sparingly by the technical team.
Several Betway Premiership clubs have already alerted their recruitment teams to Cele’s availability, with AmaZulu FC reportedly leading the race for his signature.
THABO CELE'S AMAKHOSI CAREER STATS
• Joined: January 2025 (Free Transfer)
• Total Appearances (All Competitions): 36
• 2025/26 League Appearances: 15 (17 Total)
• Goals / Assists: 0 / 0
• Contract Status: Termination under negotiation
Mtasingwa Arrives as Direct Midfield Successor
With Cele set to exit Naturena, Kaizer Chiefs have already moved to reinforce their central midfield unit with the acquisition of Tanzanian vice-captain Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko.
Amakhosi supporters got their first glimpse of Mtasingwa in action during the club’s 1-0 Toyota Cup victory over Scottland FC, signaling a new era in the heart of the Glamour Boys’ midfield as they prepare for their league opener.
