Thabo Cele embraces ‘very special’ start after two trophies with Mamelodi Sundowns

Thabo Cele has made a swift impact at Mamelodi Sundowns, winning two trophies within a month of joining the club following a difficult departure from Kaizer Chiefs.

The 29-year-old midfielder was part of the Sundowns squad that defeated Al Ahli Saudi in September to claim the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup. He then made his debut for the club in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Cele said the return to success had been particularly rewarding after a challenging period in his career.

“It’s a blessing because it’s not something that’s common and having joined the club recently, winning these two trophies is very special for me and special for us as the new players coming in to also help the club elevate,” he said.

His spell at Kaizer Chiefs ended unhappily, with his time at the club failing to produce the outcome he had hoped for. The midfielder, however, said he was determined to look forward rather than remain focused on that disappointment.

“For me football is just like life, they’ll always be difficulties, and you have to overcome (them) so having gone through what I went through, it’s just about pushing myself and thinking about what’s coming next and what was next for me was being at a club like Sundowns,” he added.

A significant debut

Cele’s first appearance for Mamelodi Sundowns came in a final which brought the club another MTN8 title and prevented Orlando Pirates from securing a historic fifth successive crown.

The midfielder has therefore experienced immediate success at Chloorkop, where Sundowns continue to compete for domestic and continental honours. His introduction to the team has come in a squad packed with established talent, giving him the task of working to secure a regular place.

The two winners’ medals provide an encouraging foundation, but Cele will now aim to convert his promising start into a consistent run of performances for his new club.

For the moment, his first month at Mamelodi Sundowns has offered a sharp contrast to the end of his time at Kaizer Chiefs. After a difficult chapter, the midfielder has begun his next one with two trophies and renewed optimism.