Thabo Cele becomes free agent after Kaizer Chiefs early exit

by Rhaees Hanslo

Midfielder Thabo Cele has officially parted ways with Kaizer Chiefs following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

The departure concludes 18 months at Naturena for the KwaMashu-born international, leaving the 29-year-old free to sign with a new club outside the traditional transfer window.

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In a formal statement, the club confirmed the decision was reached following constructive discussions between management and the player.

“Kaizer Chiefs have terminated Thabo Cele’s contract by mutual agreement, following constructive discussions between both parties. The decision will allow Cele to pursue new opportunities while Amakhosi continue to reshape their squad for the 2026/27 season.”

Excluded from pre-season plans under Fernando da Cruz

Cele’s exit follows weeks of speculation surrounding his future at Naturena. The midfielder was notably excluded from Amakhosi’s pre-season tour to Spain and had been training independently while the squad prepared for the new campaign.

Newly appointed head coach Fernando da Cruz publicly confirmed during a media briefing that Cele did not feature in his tactical plans for the season, particularly following the signing of Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa.

Having fallen out of favour under the new technical setup, both parties opted for an early release to allow the player to secure regular first-team football elsewhere.

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An 18-month tenure at Naturena

Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs in January 2025 as a free agent following his departure from Russian Premier League side Fakel Voronezh. Bringing extensive European experience from spells in Portugal, including Benfica B, Real SC, and Cova da Piedade, and Poland’s Radomiak Radom, he made his club debut in a Soweto Derby fixture shortly after signing.

During his time with the Glamour Boys, ‘Induna Yendawo’ made 36 appearances across domestic and CAF competitions. A key highlight of his spell came in May 2025, when he helped Chiefs secure the Nedbank Cup title, ending the club’s decade-long trophy drought.

Squad restructuring at Kaizer Chiefs

Cele’s departure marks the latest move in an extensive off-season squad overhaul by Kaizer Chiefs management. He becomes the tenth player to leave the club during the current transfer window, joining a list of departures that includes Gaston Sirino, Given Msimango, Ashley Du Preez, George Matlou, Happy Mashiane, and Tashreeq Morris.

Now unattached, Cele is eligible to join any club of his choice as a free agent, with local reports already linking the South African international with potential suitors across the Betway Premiership.

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