Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele appears set to leave Naturena. Coach Fernando Da Cruz openly admitted the fan favourite does not fit his tactical plans.
The coach made the comments during his pre-match press conference before the Toyota Cup encounter against Scottland FC on Sunday, 26 July, at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace. Kick-off is at 15:00.
THABO CELE NOT IN FERNANDO DA CRUZ’S PLANS
As quoted by SABC Sport’s Velile Mnyandu, Da Cruz explained why Cele has fallen down the pecking order. “I’ve got lot of players in Thabo Cele’s position. I prefer a different type of players in his position and he’s not in my plans for this season.”
The comments come just weeks after Da Cruz left Cele out of Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season tour of Spain.
The 28-year-old joined Amakhosi in January 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year contract. The move fulfilled his childhood dream of representing the club.
Despite helping Kaizer Chiefs win the 2025 Nedbank Cup, injuries disrupted his progress during the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. He made 17 league appearances as he struggled to establish himself under the new coach.
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KAIZER CHIEFS LOOK TO MOVE ON
Amakhosi have already signed Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, who is expected to strengthen the club’s midfield options.
Reports have also linked Cele with a possible exit. His representatives are reportedly discussing either a mutual contract termination or a move back to Europe.
Before returning to South Africa, Cele spent almost a decade overseas. He played for Real SC, Benfica B, Cova da Piedade, Radomiak Radom and Fakel Voronezh.
The KwaMashu-born midfielder also represented South Africa at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the Tokyo Olympic Games. He has since earned senior caps for Bafana Bafana.
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