Overview
- Kaizer Chiefs confirmed Monday that they terminated Thabo Cele’s contract by mutual agreement, saying the move allows him to pursue new opportunities as the club reshapes its squad for 2026/27.
- The club and multiple reports say Cele had been training separately and missed the pre‑season tour after new coach Fernando Da Cruz told the player he was not in first‑team plans, which led to the exit.
- Public broadcaster SABC Sport and other outlets report Mamelodi Sundowns have made Cele a high‑priority target and that negotiations are at an advanced, but not yet officially confirmed, stage.
- Sources differ on his recent game time, with some reports listing 36 total appearances for Chiefs over 18 months and others noting 21 appearances in the 2025/26 season, reflecting inconsistent tallies across coverage.
- The move could have immediate squad effects: Chiefs continue a wider clearout of around 10 players, while Sundowns would gain experienced midfield depth as they manage domestic and continental schedules after the loss of Jayden Adams.