Official announcement: Big name star leaves Kaizer Chiefs

According to Kaizer Chiefs, the decision followed constructive discussions between both parties. Cele is now free to pursue a new opportunity.

The midfielder joined the Soweto giants with expectations of making an impact in the middle of the park. However, his time at the club has now come to an end.

KAIZER CHIEFS SAY GOODBYE TO THABO CELE

Cele spent 18 months at Kaizer Chiefs after joining the club in January 2025. He arrived in the Betway Premiership from Russian Premier League side Fakel Voronezh on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The KwaMashu-born midfielder had already spent almost a decade playing in Europe before returning to South Africa. He made his Amakhosi debut in the Soweto Derby in February 2025.

Cele made an immediate impression at Amakhosi. The midfielder quickly became an important figure in the engine room. One of his biggest moments came in the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Cele produced an outstanding performance as Kaizer Chiefs booked their place in the final. Four months after arriving at the club, he was celebrating his first major trophy with Amakhosi.

However, his influence gradually declined during the 2025/26 season. After tactical changes and the arrival of new midfield options, Cele’s opportunities became limited.

He made just 21 appearances across all competitions during the campaign.

Things changed further ahead of the new season. New head coach Fernando da Cruz left Cele out of the club’s pre-season tour of Spain.

The midfielder was subsequently omitted from the first-team plans. Kaizer Chiefs confirmed that Cele’s departure followed “constructive discussions between both parties.”

The agreement allows him to pursue new opportunities. The club also paid tribute to the midfielder.

“We thank ‘Induna Yendawo’ for his commitment during his time at Kaizer Chiefs,” the club said. “We wish him the very best in his future career,” the club added

WELL-TRAVELED STAR

Before returning to South Africa, Thabo Cele spent almost a decade building his career in Europe. Born in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, Cele started his football journey at the KZN Academy.

His talent soon attracted interest from abroad. In 2016, he moved directly from the academy to Portugal.

He joined third-tier side Real S.C., beginning his European adventure at just 18 years old. His performances in Portugal quickly opened another door.

In 2017, Cele earned a move to S.L. Benfica, one of the country’s biggest clubs. He primarily featured within the club’s development structures and also returned to Real S.C. on loan.

The experience at Benfica helped shape his development as a technically gifted, deep-lying midfielder. In 2018, Cele joined Cova da Piedade in Portugal’s second tier.

That move proved important for his development. He established himself as a dependable presence in midfield and went on to make more than 100 appearances across three seasons.

Cele then looked for a new challenge. In October 2021, he moved to Poland to join Radomiak Radom. The midfielder signed a two-year deal with the Ekstraklasa club. His performances in Poland continued to raise his profile.

That eventually earned him a move to Russia. In August 2023, Cele joined FC Fakel Voronezh in the Russian Premier League.