Thabo Cele’s future at Kaizer Chiefs remains uncertain, with the midfielder still training away from the senior squad despite being contracted to the club.
The 29-year-old has reportedly been placed on the transfer list after head coach Fernando Da Cruz made it clear that Cele does not form part of his plans for the 2026/27 campaign. Da Cruz has previously indicated that he prefers other player profiles, leaving Cele facing an increasingly difficult situation at Naturena.
Cele was also absent when Kaizer Chiefs hosted the media ahead of their upcoming Betway Premiership meeting with Siwelele, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his position within the squad.
The midfielder joined Amakhosi in January 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with the club officially confirming his arrival at the time.
Now, however, the two parties appear to be heading towards a parting of ways.
With Cele reportedly available for transfer, interested clubs can approach Chiefs if they want to secure his services. The major stumbling block is that no formal offer has reportedly emerged yet, leaving the midfielder in limbo.
Cele’s representatives are also understood to be engaging the club over the possibility of terminating his contract. That route could prove expensive for Kaizer Chiefs, particularly if compensation is required to settle the remainder of the player’s deal.
As a result, Chiefs appear to be waiting for a suitable transfer proposal rather than simply releasing the midfielder.
The situation is particularly striking given that Cele was brought to Naturena as an experienced midfielder after spending several years playing abroad. His career included spells in Portugal, Poland and Russia before returning to South Africa and joining the Soweto giants.
For now, though, his immediate future appears to be away from the first team.
Kaizer Chiefs are preparing for their next Betway Premiership fixture against Siwelele, while Cele continues to train separately as both sides search for a solution.
The question now is whether another club will step forward with an offer — or whether Chiefs and Cele will eventually reach an agreement to bring their relationship to an early end.
For a player who arrived at Naturena with expectations of making an impact, Cele’s current situation represents a dramatic change of direction. The coming weeks could determine whether he gets a fresh start elsewhere or remains caught in a difficult stand-off with Kaizer Chiefs.
