Kaizer Chiefs have departed for Spain for their pre-season training camp, but one notable absentee has raised questions about his future at the club.
Midfielder Thabo Cele was not included in the travelling squad. The 28-year-old joined Amakhosi in January 2025 and quickly established himself as a key player, earning praise from supporters with a string of impressive performances.
However, his influence declined during the 2025/26 campaign, with the midfielder often finding himself coming off the bench rather than starting matches.
According to Soccer Laduma, Cele could be on his way out of Naturena during the current transfer window.
“He wasn’t fully involved with what was happening around the team before the trip. From what we’ve seen, it doesn’t look like he’ll be travelling with the squad,” a source told the publication.
Chiefs have already begun reshaping their squad ahead of the new season. Tashreeq Morris, George Matlou and Happy Mashiane have all left the club, while defender Aden McCarthy has completed a permanent transfer elsewhere.
Kaizer Chiefs to release more players
More departures could still follow. Veteran attacker Gaston Sirino is yet to sign a new deal after his contract expired in June, while striker Ashley Du Preez also faces an uncertain future after struggling to make a consistent impact over the past two seasons.
On the arrivals front, Amakhosi have strengthened their squad with the free-signing of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and defender Thabo Moloisane.
Kaizer Chiefs are also expected to remain active in the transfer market, particularly in attack. With Namibian striker Peter Shalulile currently a free agent, the Soweto giants could make a move to bolster their striking options ahead of the new campaign.
Amakhosi will battle for R10 million next month in the MTN8. This will be the first time in three seasons that the team plays in the competition.
