Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to sign Thabo Cele as a free agent following his sudden departure from Kaizer Chiefs.
The 29-year-old maestro mutually terminated his contract with the Amakhosi on Monday night, and the reigning Betway Premiership champions moved swiftly to bring him to Chloorkop.
The Naturena Exit
Thabo Cele’s exit from Kaizer Chiefs brought a premature end to a narrative that began with immense expectations.
Having arrived at Naturena in January 2025 following a stint in the Russian Premier League with FC Fakel Voronezh, the KwaMashu-born midfielder initially hit the ground running.
He became an integral part of the team’s engine room and was a foundational piece in the squad that clinched the Nedbank Cup in May 2025, breaking a highly publicized ten-year trophy drought for the Soweto giants.
However, football is a game of rapid transitions. The 2025/26 campaign brought its fair share of challenges, including an injury spell that sidelined him.
Although he returned under interim leadership and concluded the season with 36 total appearances, the appointment of new head coach Fernando Da Cruz signaled a dramatic shift in direction.
Da Cruz omitted Cele from the club’s pre-season tour of Spain, instead prioritizing new tactical setups and recent acquisitions like Tanzanian international Adolf Mtasingwa.
Realizing he was completely on the periphery, Cele spent several weeks training in isolation while his representatives engineered a clean break.
The subsequent mutual contract termination left Cele available to sign with any team despite the closure of the primary transfer window.
Sundowns Move Swiftly
While one door shut firmly in Soweto, another swung wide open in Pretoria.
Technical staff at Mamelodi Sundowns immediately recognized the tactical advantages of landing a player of Cele’s caliber without a transfer fee.
According to reports from SABC Sport, the Brazilians have designated Cele a high-priority target and have entered advanced contract negotiations.
Sundowns’ pursuit is driven by an ongoing quest for squad depth. The demanding nature of their domestic season, coupled with their heavy continental responsibilities in the CAF Champions League and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup expansion, means that coach Manqoba Mngqithi requires multiple elite options across every position.
Cele, known affectionately to fans as “Induna Yendawo,” fits the profile perfectly. His tactical discipline, precise ball distribution, and international experience gained in Portugal and Russia give him the versatility needed to adapt to the Brazilians’ possession-oriented philosophy.
A Calculated Risk and Tactical Fit
Signing a player directly after their release from a fierce rival always adds spice to the South African football landscape. Critics might argue that Cele’s dip in form during the latter half of his Chiefs tenure warrants caution.
However, optimistic analysts suggest that the environment at Chloorkop, surrounded by dynamic international-tier players, could revitalize the midfielder’s career.
In terms of tactical fit, Cele can relieve the immense physical burden placed on established midfield anchors like Teboho Mokoena. His ability to break up play and dictate tempo from a deep-lying position offers tactical insurance.
For Cele, the potential move represents a massive upgrade in terms of immediate silverware potential and continental exposure.
As talks progress towards a final agreement, the football fraternity awaits an official confirmation from the Chloorkop management.
If finalized, it would rank among the most intriguing pieces of business in the Betway Premiership this season, leaving Kaizer Chiefs fans wondering if letting him go was a premature miscalculation.
