Kaizer Chiefs and Thabo Cele agree mutual contract termination

Kaizer Chiefs have agreed to part ways with midfielder Thabo Cele by mutual consent, bringing an end to the 29-year-old’s time at the club.

The decision was announced on Monday as Kaizer Chiefs continue to reshape their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season. Cele joined Amakhosi from Fakel Voronezh in January 2025, arriving to a strong welcome from the club’s supporters.

Cele made 36 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs during one-and-a-half campaigns, starting 23 of those matches. However, he was not part of new coach Fernando Da Cruz’s plans for the coming season.

Da Cruz had previously explained his decision, stating: “I prefer a different type of players in his position and he’s not in my plans for this season”.

The midfielder was subsequently left out of Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season camp in Spain, as reported by this publication. His omission indicated that his future at the club was uncertain, and the two parties have now reached an agreement to terminate his contract.

“Kaizer Chiefs have terminated Thabo Cele’s contract by mutual agreement, following constructive discussions between both parties,” the club stated.

“The decision will allow Cele to pursue new opportunities while Amakhosi continue to reshape their squad for the 2026/27 season.

“We thank “Induna Yendawo” for his commitment during his time at Kaizer Chiefs and wish him the very best in his future career.”

Cele’s departure follows an extended period in which he was unable to establish himself as a regular starter at Kaizer Chiefs. Although he began 23 of his 36 appearances, he was no longer considered part of Da Cruz’s plans after the coach took charge.

The club’s announcement confirms that the separation was agreed by both sides following discussions, rather than being presented as a unilateral decision. It also allows Cele to seek a new opportunity after his spell with Amakhosi, while Kaizer Chiefs focus on the next stage of their squad development.

The midfielder’s arrival from Fakel Voronezh in January 2025 had generated considerable excitement among the club’s fans. Across the following one-and-a-half campaigns, he appeared 36 times for Kaizer Chiefs, but his involvement came to an end after he was excluded from the pre-season preparations in Spain.

Kaizer Chiefs have now formally closed the chapter on Cele’s time at the club and wished him well for the next stage of his career.