Kaizer Chiefs confirm Thabo Cele departure ahead of transfer-window deadline

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that midfielder Thabo Cele has left the club after both parties agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent, with only a couple of weeks remaining in the transfer window.

The Soweto club announced the first-team departure as they continue to reshape their squad for the 2026/27 season. Cele is now free to pursue a new opportunity after 18 months with the Glamour Boys.

The 28-year-old joined Kaizer Chiefs in January 2025, arriving with experience from European football and the South African national team. He made his debut for the club in the Soweto Derby the following month.

Cele went on to make 36 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs in domestic and CAF competitions. He also helped the club win the Nedbank Cup four months after joining, adding silverware to his time in Soweto.

In a statement, Kaizer Chiefs said the decision followed discussions between the club and the player.

“Kaizer Chiefs have terminated Thabo Cele’s contract by mutual agreement, following constructive discussions between both parties. The decision will allow Cele to pursue new opportunities while Amakhosi continue to reshape their squad for the 2026/27 season.

“The KwaMashu-born midfielder joined the Glamour Boys in January 2025, bringing international experience from his time in Europe and with the South African national team, and made his debut in the Soweto Derby the following month.

“During his 18 months with Chiefs, he made a total of 36 appearances in domestic and CAF competitions. He also lifted the Nedbank Cup with the Club, fours month after his arrival.

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

The departure comes during an important period of squad adjustment for Kaizer Chiefs, who are using the remaining weeks of the transfer window to shape their group for the upcoming campaign.

Cele’s exit brings an end to his spell with the club after he became part of the first-team set-up in January 2025. His time at Kaizer Chiefs included appearances across South African domestic football and CAF competitions, as well as the Nedbank Cup triumph.

The midfielder’s arrival had added international experience to the Chiefs squad, following his time playing in Europe and his involvement with the South African national team. He quickly featured in one of the country’s biggest fixtures, making his club debut in the Soweto Derby in February 2025.

Kaizer Chiefs thanked Cele for his service and commitment and wished “Induna Yendawo” well in the next stage of his career.