Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that midfielder Thabo Cele has left the club by mutual agreement, opening the door for a possible move to Gauteng rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. The Soweto club announced Cele’s departure after he was left out of its plans for the 2026/27 season, while SABC Sport has reported that talks with Sundowns are at an advanced stage.
No move to Sundowns has been officially confirmed. For now, Cele is a free agent following the termination of his Chiefs contract, with his next destination still to be announced.
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Kaizer Chiefs confirm Thabo Cele departure
Chiefs confirmed Cele’s exit following discussions between the club and the 29 year old midfielder.
According to the club, terminating the contract by mutual agreement gives Cele an opportunity to consider other options while Chiefs continues restructuring its squad for the new campaign.
The decision follows weeks of uncertainty about Cele’s future at Naturena. The midfielder missed Chiefs’ preseason camp in Spain, prompting reports that he could leave before the start of the season.
New Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz subsequently indicated that Cele was not part of his plans for the 2026/27 campaign.
Chiefs have now formally ended the midfielder’s 18 month spell at the club.
Cele leaves Chiefs after 36 appearances
Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs in January 2025 after spending several years playing in Europe.
He made his Chiefs debut in the Soweto Derby the following month and went on to establish himself as part of the club’s midfield options.
During his time at Naturena, Cele made 36 appearances across domestic and CAF competitions, according to the club.
He was also part of the Chiefs squad that won the Nedbank Cup four months after his arrival.
Chiefs thanked Cele for his contribution and wished him well for the next stage of his career.
The departure means Cele is available to join another club without Chiefs and a prospective team having to negotiate a transfer fee for his registration.
Mamelodi Sundowns reportedly interested in Cele
Attention has now shifted to Mamelodi Sundowns, with SABC Sport reporting that the Tshwane club has identified Cele as a transfer target.
According to the public broadcaster, Sundowns have already engaged the midfielder about a potential move.
Talks are reportedly at an advanced stage, although neither Sundowns nor Cele had officially announced an agreement at the time of the report.
That distinction is important. While Cele’s departure from Chiefs is confirmed, his reported move to Sundowns remains unconfirmed until the club or player announces an agreement.
Sundowns are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield options as they balance domestic and continental competitions during the 2026/27 season.
Why Cele could attract interest from Sundowns
Cele would bring experience from both South African and European football should Sundowns complete a deal.
Before joining Chiefs, the KwaMashu born midfielder spent part of his career abroad and has also represented South Africa at international level.
His ability to operate in midfield and his experience across different competitions could make him an option for a Sundowns squad competing on several fronts.
His free agent status is also significant because a club signing him would not have to agree a transfer fee with Chiefs.
However, the terms of any possible Sundowns agreement have not been disclosed, and reports of advanced discussions should not be treated as confirmation that the transfer has been completed.
Chiefs continue reshaping squad for 2026/27 season
Cele’s departure forms part of a wider squad restructuring at Kaizer Chiefs under Da Cruz.
The club made clear in its statement that the mutual termination would allow both parties to move forward, with Cele able to pursue other opportunities and Chiefs continuing to reshape its playing group.
For Chiefs supporters, the midfielder’s departure comes after a relatively short stay at Naturena.
Despite joining only in January 2025, Cele accumulated 36 appearances and collected a major domestic trophy during his time with the Soweto club.
The focus will now turn to how Chiefs adjusts its midfield following his departure and where Cele chooses to continue his career.
A move would keep Cele in Gauteng
A move to Mamelodi Sundowns would see Cele swap one Gauteng football powerhouse for another.
Chiefs are based in Naturena in Johannesburg, while Sundowns are based in Tshwane. Both clubs compete in the Betway Premiership and have significant ambitions in South African football.
The potential transfer would therefore keep Cele in the province while moving him directly to one of Chiefs’ major domestic rivals.
It could also set up future meetings between Cele and his former club should he complete a move to Sundowns.
For now, however, those scenarios depend on whether the reported negotiations result in a signed agreement.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For football supporters in Gauteng, Cele’s situation is one of the notable local transfer developments ahead of the new season.
Chiefs supporters now know that Cele will not be part of the club’s 2026/27 squad after his contract was officially terminated.
Sundowns supporters, meanwhile, will have to wait for confirmation from the Tshwane club before Cele can be considered a new signing.
If the reported deal is completed, Gauteng football fans could see Cele remain in the province and potentially face his former club in domestic competition.
Until then, the confirmed development is that Cele has left Kaizer Chiefs and is available to pursue a new opportunity.
What happens next for Thabo Cele?
Cele is now free to negotiate his next contract following his departure from Chiefs.
SABC Sport’s report places Sundowns at the front of the discussion around his future, with negotiations reportedly progressing.
The next significant development would be an official announcement confirming whether Cele has signed for Sundowns or another club.
Any confirmation would settle speculation that began when he missed Chiefs’ preseason preparations and was subsequently left out of Da Cruz’s plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Thabo Cele left Kaizer Chiefs?
Yes. Kaizer Chiefs confirmed that Cele’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement following discussions between the player and the club.
Has Thabo Cele joined Mamelodi Sundowns?
Not yet officially. SABC Sport has reported that Sundowns have held talks with Cele and that discussions are at an advanced stage, but no completed signing was confirmed in the information available.
Why did Thabo Cele leave Kaizer Chiefs?
Cele missed Chiefs’ preseason camp in Spain and coach Fernando Da Cruz later indicated that the midfielder was not part of his plans for the 2026/27 season. Chiefs subsequently announced that his contract had been terminated by mutual agreement.
How many games did Thabo Cele play for Kaizer Chiefs?
Cele made 36 appearances for Chiefs in domestic and CAF competitions during his 18 months with the club.
Did Thabo Cele win a trophy with Chiefs?
Yes. Cele was part of the Kaizer Chiefs squad that won the Nedbank Cup, four months after he joined the club.
Cele’s next club remains unconfirmed
Cele’s departure from Kaizer Chiefs is official, but his next destination is not.
Mamelodi Sundowns have emerged as a reported frontrunner for his signature, with talks said to be at an advanced stage. Until an agreement is announced, however, Cele remains a free agent considering his next move.
For Chiefs, his exit is another step in the club’s restructuring for the 2026/27 campaign. For Sundowns, the coming days could determine whether one of their Gauteng rivals’ former midfielders becomes the latest addition to their squad.
