Snubbed At Naturena, Snapped Up at Chloorkop! Cele Joins Sundowns After Chiefs Release
Mamelodi Sundowns has confirmed the signing of midfielder Thabo Cele on a free transfer.
Cele joins Masandawana following his release from Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday, where his contract was mutually terminated. The KwaMashu-born midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements at Naturena under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz, who opted to exclude him from first-team plans after declaring he had superior midfield options at his disposal.
The situation saw Cele train individually before both parties agreed to part ways. Sundowns subsequently stepped in to secure his signature to bolster their midfield options, particularly following the tragic passing of Bafana Bafana international Jayden Adams earlier this year.
Cele, who moved to Naturena midway through the 2024/25 season, leaves Chiefs with a Nedbank Cup winner’s medal after helping Amakhosi defeat Orlando Pirates under former coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The 29-year-old spent seven years playing in Europe—including spells in Portugal at Real SC and Cova da Piedade, as well as Radomiak Radom in Poland—and made 36 appearances across all competitions during his 18-month stint with the Soweto giants.
Cele becomes Sundowns’ latest addition, joining fellow new recruit Deano Van Rooyen, who was recently released by Orlando Pirates. Other recent arrivals at Chloorkop include Antonio Van Wyk, Cassius Mailula, and Siyanda Ndlovu, while Tsiki Ntsabeleng made his move permanent from MLS side FC Dallas
