AmaZulu eye move for out-of-favour Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele

AmaZulu FC have reportedly entered the race to sign Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele, with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit keen to offer the talented playmaker a fresh start as uncertainty continues to surround his future at Naturena.

Cele’s position at Kaizer Chiefs has become increasingly unclear after he was omitted from the club’s travelling squad for their pre-season training camp in Spain under newly appointed head coach Fernando da Cruz.

According to reports, the midfielder’s absence is linked to ongoing contractual issues with the Soweto giants, raising fresh speculation that his time at the club could be coming to an end just months after his arrival.

The 28-year-old joined Kaizer Chiefs midway through last season with high expectations after returning to South African football. However, his stint with Amakhosi has failed to develop as anticipated, with off-field issues reportedly overshadowing his footballing ability.

One incident that reportedly frustrated the Chiefs hierarchy was Cele’s participation in an amateur football tournament during the club’s pre-season period. The decision is said to have disappointed club officials, who viewed it as unprofessional at a time when the team was preparing for the new campaign.

Cele’s relationship with members of the previous technical team became increasingly strained during the course of last season.

The midfielder is alleged to have clashed on several occasions with former co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Ben Youssef Khalil over tactical decisions and team strategies. Those reported disagreements are understood to have created tension within the dressing room and further damaged his standing with the club’s leadership.

While Chiefs have yet to make an official announcement regarding the player’s future, the combination of contractual disputes and reported disciplinary concerns has fueled speculation that an exit is becoming increasingly likely.

AmaZulu are now believed to be monitoring the situation closely as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

The Durban-based club reportedly sees Cele as a player capable of adding quality and experience to their midfield. A move to AmaZulu would also represent something of a homecoming for the midfielder, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal.

Usuthu are understood to believe that a change of environment could help the player rediscover the form that once made him one of South Africa’s most promising midfielders.

Despite the off-field concerns, there is little doubt about Cele’s technical qualities. He is widely regarded as a composed midfielder with excellent passing range, strong positional awareness and the ability to dictate the tempo of matches when at his best.

However, any club considering a move for the former Chiefs midfielder will also have to weigh the reported concerns surrounding his conduct. The allegations regarding disagreements with members of the coaching staff and other disciplinary issues are likely to be factors AmaZulu will assess carefully before deciding whether to proceed with a formal offer.

For AmaZulu, signing a player of Cele’s ability could prove to be a shrewd piece of business if they can provide the environment needed for him to focus entirely on his football.

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs continue their preparations in Spain under Fernando da Cruz as they reshape the squad for the new season. Whether Cele remains part of those plans or moves on in search of a fresh opportunity is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks.

With the transfer window still open, AmaZulu could emerge as the club willing to give the midfielder another chance to revive his career, provided both parties can reach an agreement that benefits everyone involved.