Mokoena expects Cele to thrive after completing move to Sundowns

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena believes Thabo Cele can make a significant impact at the club after joining as a free agent from Kaizer Chiefs.

Cele’s move to Sundowns came shortly after his contract with Chiefs was terminated by mutual consent. The 29-year-old was quickly recruited by the South African champions, despite Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz previously indicating that the midfielder was not part of his plans for the project at Amakhosi.

Mokoena, who has since left Sundowns, said Cele’s ability was clear during his time at Chiefs and questioned why the KwaMashu-born player was not given more opportunities at Naturena.

“ In my opinion, Cele is not a bad player firstly, and even at Chiefs he deserved to play. Somewhere, somehow, you don’t know why he was not playing or getting game-time,” the former Bafana Bafana star told KickOff.

Cele had initially been playing regularly after joining Chiefs and, according to Mokoena, had performed well before his involvement suddenly reduced.

“Remember, when Chiefs signed this boy, he was playing, he was doing well and then suddenly he did not play,” he said.

Mokoena believes Sundowns’ need for options in central midfield helped make Cele’s arrival a logical move, particularly when he was no longer available to play in that position.

“The opportunity for Sundowns to sign him was there since they are lacking in central midfield when Teboho (Mokoena) is not there. He is capable of playing there,” he added.

The former midfielder also backed Cele’s versatility, saying he could adjust to different positions and teams.

“He is a good player, he can adapt anywhere, to any team,” Mokoena said.

European experience could help Cele

Mokoena expects Cele’s considerable experience in Europe to benefit him as he begins his career at Sundowns. He also believes the quality of the players around him at Chloorkop can help the midfielder develop further.

“Definitely (that will help). If you have quality teammates, you tend to be quality yourself, you improve because of the quality of the players who are there,” Mokoena said.

He added that playing alongside high-calibre team-mates should give Cele greater confidence, particularly at a club Mokoena regards as the best in South Africa.

“You can’t look down on yourself. They will boost your confidence because Sundowns, at the moment, is the best team in South Africa, no matter what you can say, in terms of playing and many other things,” he concluded.